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Home 



Songs 
Q 



'By I 

^avid Chalmers cNjmmo \ 






HOME SONGS 



BY 

DAVID CHALMERS NIMMO 

Author of 
Nature Songs." "Soul Songs," "Civic Songs," Etc. 



Times Publishing Co., Detroit, Mich. 






Copyrighted 1916. 
By DAVID CHALMERS NIMMO. 




DEC 30 1916 



^CU453399 



DEDICATION 

TO 
MY MOTHER 

As the largest contributor 
Of the virtues herein contained, 
And to all like her, who make 
A home in the midst of the gigantic 
And destroying selfishness of life 
I dedicate these songs. 

D. C. N. 



m^ D? .3BQ 



"To make a happy fireside clime 

To weans and wife, 

That's the true pathos and sublime 
Of human life." 

Burns. 



Contents 



Page 

Parentage 7 

A Marriage Song X^-j 

The Wife's Day I4 

Give Him a Dog I5 

The Baby Show Ig 

The Waters of Life I9 

Home Angels — Music 20 

A Drop of Oil 21 

A Lover's Song 22 

Slumber Song 23 

Woman's Civic Song 24 

The Song of the Suffragette £5 

Vote and No Vote 26 

A Woman's Way -q 

Nature Helps ^^ 

A Fisherman's Song 3^ 

The Carrier Dove -^i 

Young Motherhood 34 

Envy .jg 

The Wife's Return 38 

The Candy Maker 4q 

Song for Marriage 42 

The Dreamed Of 43 

A Wish . . 

4o 

The Anniversary cq 

Student's Love Song 53 

Love and Sorrow - 3 

King and Beggar 54 

Mama's Answer . -^ 

Bled ::.'.■;::.'.".■;:::;;.■;;:.■;.■.■;: -ol 

A Heart Truth ^^^ 

Saved ^ 

_, D^ 

Remarried . ... .., 

o2 

The Wife's Commandments ^4 

The Best Baby f^j 



Thine Eyes 68 

Kissing Babies 70 

The White Slave's Moan 73 

The Element of Life 74 

Because, My Dear, It's You 75 

The Bread of Life 77 

The Wanderer's Unrest . . .- 77 

The Cure 78 

The Departed 79 

Sleep Beloved ! 82 

Ideal Kisses 83 

The Kid 86 

The Good-Night Kiss 89 

The Stars and Stripes Forever— No. 4 91 

The Home Angel's Song 93 

The First Dream 94 

Home 95 

Motherhood's Desire 95 

Woman 96 

The Rejected's Faith 97 

The New Advise 97 

The Wife 97 

Nature's Bouquet 97 

Rejected 99 

The Foolish Virgin 100 

Grandma's Marriage 100 

The Sweetest of the Sweet 103 

The Poetic Wife 105 

Fat Medicine 107 

Ls He Married ? 109 

Influence of Baby 112 

The Whistling Girl 113 

The Wife's New Dress 115 

An Old Fashioned Georgia Father 120 

A Cradle Mediation 123 

Boyhood's Home 127 

Drink Her Health 128 

The Lover's Pathway 129 

The Proposal 133 

"Rub Me and I'll Smell" 134 

"Cuddle Doon" 137 

Oh Love of God Come In ! 139 

An Old Fashioned Home Flower 140 

Mother's Day .143 



PARENTAGE. 

What is the truth of parenthood on earth? 
Lift up thine eyes or turn thy spirit hence I 
Look not upon these origins of birth, 
Or gird thy mind with an omnipotence 
Of virtuous strength to front the vast offense! 
Though nature's way, the social order right. 
And heav'n's benediction on the immense 
Irrationality, tho Soul must smite 
All origin from this insanest sense 
As but a curse and hope destroying blight 
On all the generations that spring forth to the light. 

Ask what is man, from whence doth he arise? 
And Life with stern sarcastic smile doth thrust 
The sensual truths right in thy very eyes 
To silence, shame and bow the reverent ,iust. 
What? Offspring of the dragon's poisoned dust. 
Mere accidents of nature's sensual pleasure, 
Mere unwished issues of resistless lust, 
Unwelcome ends that lore cannot outmeasure. 
The consequence of blind delirious must, 
The full unthinking thoughtlessness we treasure, 
The senses in their power, soul exiled in displeasure. 

The quality of parenthood on earth 
Is ju?t above the level of the beast; 
Unmotived, they are welcomed at th^ir birth 
And after that the physical they feast, 
Clothe and defend. They teach and train the least, 
Naught, naught of heav'n or heaven's kings and peers, 
But all the arts by which bread is increased: 
They teach the crafts and wisdoms of the years 
And those great powers thai; nature has released: 
They all are taught to climb and rule the spheres: 
Old selfishness and sense the spirit onward steers. 

But often, oft unto our contemplations 
A spirit strong with mighty trumpet sounds 
Strikes mortal ears with spirit indignations 



That stop a few made wise by loss and wounds. 
Hark: Hark! Dost thou not hear? The message bounds 
As flung by one of heaven's highest peers 
And unto man the spirit's law expounds: 
"The visions from the bright millennial years 
When impurity has run her final rounds 
Declare no parentage until it rears 
Out of this earthly physical the .spirit of the spheres." 

"The Soul is life's best law and highest need; 
And Soul upon the summit of her stale 
Denies the blood relationships that feed 
Life's surfaceness and doth annunciate 
The everlasting laws that dominate 
The spirit kingdoms. There is a parentage 
Far higher than the dust that mortals mate. 
Far nobler than the fleshly lusts that rage, 
Far licher than the passions that create, 
One most divine, of spirits that engage 
More than themselves and purer life upon their heritage." 

"These are larents: the teachers wise and kind 
Who take the child and for the child's own sake 
Bring forth in him self-consciousness and mind; 
Then when his kingly faculities are awake 
The world's high intellectual splendors shake 
Upon the spirit's first and fresh surprise; 
When all his powers with mental longings ache. 
When reaching to his full expanded size. 
When infinites within his being break, 
Unfoldeth then upon his lifted eyes. 
The spaces, planets, powers and laws of astronomic skies. 

"These are parents: the artists high and true 
Who plant within the mind the finer sense 
Of passion and of shape and sound and hue; 
Who breathe into the form of young intelligence 
A spirit that beholds a countenance 
Of beauty pure on all the heav'ns and earth. 
And fronting full that unveiled radiance 
Doth worship with a sacred silent mirth. 
Oft, often lost unto the world of sense; 
Spirits v/ho bring such beings unto birth 
Bring more than flesh and blood, great souls of poet worth. 

"These are parents: the moralists of truth. 
The consciences with justice, wisdom, right. 
Who lift before the blinded eyes of youth 



The virtues and the majesties that light 
The universe v/hile sustaining by their might 
The throne of the Eternal, those who draw 
The veils from off our being's moral height 
And cast upon the soul high spirit awe, 
Silence, wonder, sorrow, death and fear and night, 
God, eternity, life, universal law. 
Oh what a birth for parents ! Can humans higher draw 

"These are parents: the few, the infinitely few 
In whom the love of God burns as a fire 
Of white intensity, and piercing through 
All life and time and sense with a desire 
Most inexpressible brings the inspire 
Of heaven's spirit upon these spirits dead 
So they come forth to live, to think, inquire, 
And stretch and reach to life's eternal head: 
Who brings such souls out of this earthly mire 
Brings spirits like and for the Christ who bled 
And by life's best ideals they evermore are led." 

"And yet we see this bestial sexuality 
Ordained the nurse and mother of humanity. 
The greatest function of this large finality 
Has been conferred upon a blind insanity, 
Sunk, sunk unto a base profanity. 
Oh Life! Oh Life! Oh must it ever be 
This host shall rise unto the empty vanity 
Awaiting those the senses sire so free! 
Why in this earth should wisest sanity 
Rare hear or feel a protest, prayer or plea 
For generations born that soul bring unto thee?" 

"How long, how long shall sensuality be 
The undisputed parent of the earth, 
And breathe the strength of white intensity 
Into each heart of dark delivered birth? 
How long, hovv^ long shall sense of blindest mirth 
A mid-wife be that standeth at life's gate 
To tal^e the child, robbed of its highest worth. 
And to herself to instant consecrate! 
Sense makes for soul this lightning blasted dearth 
And on her dreams all curses imprecate. 
Her generations long, deform, disease and weight." 

"How long, how long, out of a muliitude 
Shall but one child be born from heart and mind. 
Unlike the offspring that has ever been the brood 



Of pleasure, and as kind produces kind 
Come forth sensual, deaf and dumb and blind! 
How long, how long shall this intelligence 
Of man be bound and dream or dare to find 
The source of this infinity in sense! 
Around the globe life's source is thus entwined, 
It seems as nature's very ordinance 
And man and state and church stand up in its defence.' 

"Oh man, the man prophets have dreamed, the man 
The moments disentangle from the curse. 
The man revealed in that celestial plan 
That rides upon the summit of the univerpe! 
Oh cosmopolitan spirit! Oh purse 
In whom the Infinite delights to stay 
And with his life unto the ideal nurse! 
As thou beholdest they evolution's way 
And the multitudinous wrecks that vox and verse 
The man that wished but had not power to sway. 
Oh utter forth thy heart in some prophetic lay!" 

" 'No more, no more!' a mighty spirit cries 
In noble strains of high prophetic verse. 
'No more, no more;' the mighty measures rise 
Above the earth and discords of the curse. 
'No more, no more;' most mighty passions nurse 
The strain that climbeth up the heaven's height 
And drowns all song the starry choirs unpurse, 
'No more. No more!' the culminating might 
Seems climbing up the towering universe 
And lifts my soul with infinite delight 
Into the song divine that circles round "^he night." 

" 'No more, no more the offspring round that lies! 
No more, no more the children of the curse! 
No more, no more the beings that arise 
Out of the beast and go to beasts and worse! 
No more, no more let living nature nurse 
A dragon brood at her maternal breasts 
And thus companion, and still more disburse 
The pent-up sense that every bosom nests! 
No more, no more, Oh vastest universe! 
Breed and sustain the long unwelcome guests 
That desecrate they name and trample on thy bests!' " 

" 'No more, no more the low and bestial powers 
Of life perpetuate the generations 
And bring them up from time's dark brothel bowers 

10 



And send them forth with such fierce domin^Uiona! 
No more, no more the world's first foul creations 
That laired and whelped as brutes in brutal state 
Bring forth the seed to mount unto the stations 
Of great man! No more, no more thus populate 
The portals of the universe with nations 
That the universe can never, never mate, 
But casts them forth as dung from her divine estate!'" 

" 'No more, no more the flesh though fair to eye.s 
That only live to write their condemaations 
And slay the hopes that heaven bids arise 
To man the world and guide its recreations! 
No more, no rrore, the dafrk engenderations 
So sinister sired twixt pleasure and a curse. 
Whose meat and drink are sexual satiations 
And hungry still its passions to unpurse! 
No more, no more the night-born dominations. 
Sense anarchs fierce and hist'ries that they nurse 
But always like themselves and sometimes worse and worse!' 

" 'No more, no more the dark distempered dream 
To think we need more of this cursed kind! 
No more, no more diseaseful passions stream 
Into the child and thus its future bind 
And slay twice dead to all for which designed! 
Does this high age require the breed beget, 
By brutal sense that qualifies the mind 
With most immoral bias? Does not 
The low-born breed its own destruction find? 
Do not their foims high heaven's brightness blot? 
Do not their deeds like plagues the earth though salted rot? 

" 'Oh Love, thou art the nurse of life, the crown 
Upon the brow of heaven's heightless height. 
The battle, conquest, victory and renown 
Are thine, and thy omnipotential might 
Shall reign supreme o'er boundless day and night! 
Oh enter man! As white as glowing fire 
Cleanse thou the flesh, the soul purge and bedight 
With thine own nature! Within him be the sire 
Of noble sons that bear thy image bright! 
Oh Love divine, with infinite inspire 
The generations bring that mount forever higher ! ' " 

" 'Come forth, come forth, ye high supernal powers 
Designed to rule upon man's highest stations. 
Enter the night and by thy sunlike dowers 

11 



Reveal to soul the senses' usurpations! 
Ideals divine, visions and pure creations 
That girdle, guide and crown the universe, 
Deliver man from time's long degradations 
That blessing seem, but swallow up in curse! 
Destroy the old, the old old impulsations 
Of ancient days, and in his spirit nur^p [verse!' 

The dreams that ye have dreamed and .aourished with youi 

"'Come, thou .spirit of intelligence and thought! 
Thou art the liberator of the heart, 
For thou must teach ere liberty is sought. 
Throughout the whole brute sphere thy lightnings dart 
As midnight bolts upon the guilty start. 
Think into this unthinking man and shake 
His blinded world with moral earthquakes! Impart 
The mighty energy that forever breaks 
The powers of sense! To their blind senses bart 
Life's truth divine: A thoughtful parent makes 
The virtuous heirs of hope the future thankful takes.' " 

" 'Grant, grant, ye Powers, a parentage of virtue, 
A parentage in whom predominate 
The morals and the motives that secure 
The child's divinest right, and thus create 
A nature rich, harmonious to the state 
The ancient heavens designed. Such parents 
Would behold the ripe posterities that mate 
The glorious dreams of millenial age hence. 
In them high heav'n would build its god-like state, 
The unembodied soul of life immense 
Forever calls to come and give her immanance.' " 

" 'Come, come, Oh come ye distant generations. 
Ye generations of the golden morn. 
Ye progeny of god-like dominations 
No dream of man shall ever dare to scorn! 
Spirits of fire, immortal souls unshorn — 
Sense, pas,sion, stature, majesty and power — 
Chosen of heav'n, upon whom are ever borne 
The ideals and everlasting dower 
Of man, Oh come upon this weary, worn 
And mangled world, and let her latest hour 
Be sheltered by the peace high heavens on ye shower!'" 



12 



A MARRIAGE SONG 

Oh Love divine and golden, 

Above our dreams thou art! 
All being tliou dost folden 

In thy encircling heart. 
All loving hearts are blighted 

Without thee most divine, 
-No hearts are e'er united 

Unless first one in thine. 

On these for love created 

We hear thee read the rite. 
May inmost souls be mated. 

Pure, sweet and rich and white. 
Now with thy heart in passion 

Both melt and glow in one. 
Now growing toward thy fashion 

Love's life is true begun. 

The soul that soul is claiming 

Unite and naught divided! 
May love with double flaming 

Fill bridegroom and his bride. 
In circles bright ascending, 

In paths before unknown, 
Their hearts with heaven blending. 

Lead them thy loved and own. 

From love all life must borrow 

What lifteth to the skies; 
Send thou thy joy and sorrow 

And pure self sacrifice; 
■ Send all that makes immortals. 

Oh pole them far above! 
New open golden portals 

To spheres of life and love! 

Past morning's foaming fountains. 

Across life's noonday plain, 
Beyond time's evening mountains. 

Where all love's loss is gain. 
Oh Love far famed in story. 

Be guardian and be guide. 
Where love is all the glory, 

Bring bridegroom and his bridei 



13 



THE WIFE'S DAY. 

This is the day I give my wife. 
Renounce all claim and rule of life; 
I give to her the right of it, 
The full command and might of it. 
The morning, noon and night of it 
And all that fills the height of it. 
However rich and rife. 

When we were married then became 
A single soul in double frame. 
Has she who lent it grace divine, 
Fed life and iove to race with mine. 
Has that pure heart and face so fine 
That made the earth a place benign 
Upon the strength no claim? 

Five days we toil to serve the need, 
One worship with the thoughtful breed ; 
On other days she curves to me 
And gives the fires and verves of glee; 
On this she sure deserves to see 
Life turn to her with service free. 
Responsive to her creed. 

When I awake, I always say: 
"My Dear! This is thy royal day. 
I servant am, thou art the Queen, 
I come or go with heart serene; 
Take thee to court or mart or green. 
Scrub, dig or fight, depart or preen 
Or what your whim obey." 

"We'll go on. foot; we'll ride ahorse. 
Or drive with car's imperial force. 
Behold the world! Now name the place. 
To family friends that claim the grace. 
To nature's glowing frame and face. 
To cities or the famous race. 
Where will we call our course?" 

"Here is my head, my burning brain. 
My gifted pen and all is strain. 

Say: 'Write!' and I will write for thee 
The best things in the might of me. 
Domestic idylls bright for thee 

14 



And thou a Queen in white shall be 
With princes in thy train." 

"Here are my houses, lands and gold. 
All, all today thy hand shall hold. 

Spend! Spending is the jest of life. 

Buy! Buying is the zest of life. 

Give! Giving is the best of life, 

And on this crown and crest of life 
Be thou both rich and bold," 

"Or in some bower shall we stroll. 
In silence sit with soul to soul? 

Shall we remember how we met, 

The dreams we dreamed nor now forget? 

Live o'er the years the brow has wet 

But deeper still the vow has set 
And doth our spirits pole?" 

"The day I give to thee, Oh Wife! 
Has always been a day of life; 

For thou hast been a joy and power, 

Fed purpose and employ and dower. 

And out of time's destroying hour 

Hast built me like a royal tower 
'Gainst the eternal strife." 

Oh blessed day! Oh blessed day! 
The best I've met on life's highway, 

With thee there's something glows and glows 

As if a fountain rose and rose 

And sometimes something flows and Aowl; 

That only joy serenest knows 
When memories on her stray. 



GUTS HIM A DOG. 

Oh give your boy a dog! 

A collie is a friend 
That even many a man 

Would with his life defend. 
Each is a kindred soul, 

Companion, strength and joy; 
Far better have a boy and dog 

Than not have any boy! 



15 



THE BABY SHOW. 

A half a dozen mothers met 

Upon a summer way; 
And tender in the shade were set 

The births that made the day. 
The babes that made the day for them 
And made the sun a paltry gem, 
Were cradled there 
And each was fair 
As lovers' eyes could wish it were. 

Each baby's praise was said and sung 

In words of warmest fire; 
No poet with delirious tongue 

Could equal their inspire. 
The lover and the loved one lives 
Where all is bright superlatives. 
The mother heart 
Has love's best art 
And round her babe does all impart. 

At last the youngest said and smiled: 

"Let's have a baby show." 
I know the thought that her beguiled 

Though love would hide it low. 
"Agreed! Agreed!" the chorus sung, 
And toward their infants instant sprung. 
The prize, the prize 
Was in each eyes 
Nor dreamed how doubt could here arise. 

A maid to me the most divine 
By chance she came along; 
I called the mothers to the line 

And told to her the' song. 
"Now she'll be judge and so decide 
Between your fondness and your pride; 
For hearts that feel 
And drunken reel 
How could they ,such a claim now seal?" 

Such looks of hot contempt and flame, 

And words of sharpest fire. 
From lips and eyes and faces came, 

I shook before their ire. 
But Oh upon my bride divine! 

16 



Fell epithets of salted brine, 

Until we tied; 

But still we said: 
"We'll see the show that love has led." 

Each promised to impartial be; 

Each flung away her pride; 
Each scorned the honor she could see; 

Each from her hope untied; 
Truth, truth shall tell what babe is best 
In looks and health and all the rest 
Of baby wiles 
And angel smiles 
And promises that love beguiles. 

Each looked into each baby face, 

Right down into the heart. 
And every named and nameless grace 

Fixed on her mental chart ; 
Then here and there, round, to and fro, 
Compared the points the others show; 
Life's lightest things 
On fairy springs 
Were balanced till the judgment wings. 

A silence deep, and then was cast 

A most momentous note; 
The solemn truth was written fast 

For history in a vote; 
Each mother when the vote was read 
Wore victory on her flaming head; 
For just one vote 
Had every note. 
No two alike in all they wrote. 

No evidence did bend a vote 

So much as by a hair, 
Though every mother thought each note 

Would her own judgment share. 
Oh how could any babe outshine 
The angel of each heart divine? 
It were a shame 
Such perfect claim 
Against each other thus to frame. 

Oh every mother's babe is best! 
None can with it compare; 

17 



She has a dream and found it blest 

With all her heart can bear. 
Though money, fasliion, pleasure, power. 
Fill for the most the mortal hour. 

The mother true 

Has visions new 
Far deeper than we others view. • ■ 

Oh every mother's own is best! 

She sees beneath the veil; 
The eyes of joy and love are blest 

To see where others fail; 
That something more is bound in this, 
A something that the others miss, 
A vital start 
From her own heart 
That never can from her depart. 

Say: "Love is foolish, deaf and blind; 

Young mothers but insane; 
All these bright fancies rich and kind 

Around the heart and brain. 
Are reasonless and but the fruit 
Of nature's strong unconscious root:" 
The baby best 
From all the rest 
Is just that one upon her breast. 

Oh well for mother, well for child. 

Oh well for earth oppressed, 
That ere we are by sin defiled 

And wander sore distressed, 
A heart inlaid with softest love, 
With something like the heart above. 
Doth us receive 
When first we leave 
The heart, alas how few retrieve' 

Oh heart of high supremest love! 

Oh heart within the heart! 
Though high within thy heav'ns above 

Before us sure thou art. 
r'or us thou didst prepare the breast 
And something from thine own impressed, 
But shall thy heart 
From this dread mart 
Receive us when we hence depart? 



18 



THE WATERS OF LIFE. 

From forth the crystal fountains 

Sparkling with heaven's sun, 
Down from God's snow crowned mountains 

The streams of life do run. 
The seraphim of morning 

Low bowing round the First 
Fienew their bright adorning 

And still their deepest thirst. 

The Lord of life releases 

The draught that spirits drink. 

In midst of man's diseases 

Why should the fainting sink? 

The living streams are flowing- 
Free as in heav'n above; 

Who deeply drink are glowing 
In strength, in joy and love. 

Celestial virtues holden 

These waters rich as wine; 
All ye whom faith embolden 

May drink this life divine. 
No price, no gold, no labor; 

High heaven knows no fee; 
For thou, for stranger, neighbor, 

This draught of life is free. 

Drink, drink ye souls in anguish! 

Quick healing they impart. 
Drink, drink ye souls that languish! 

Reviving, strength, full heart. 
Restore thy fainting being! 

'Tis life and love in soul; 
The virtues they are freeing 

Much more than make thee whole. 

More cool than heav'n's high mountains. 

More sweet than life's young dream. 
Pure as the midnight fountains. 

Creation's true gulf stream ; 
Oh drink and cease thou never! 

Its virtues ne'er depart; 
Drink on, drink on forever. 

The life from God's own heart! 



19 



HOME ANGELS. 

Music 

Music, Music, Soul the sweetest 
Of all earth and heav'n above! 

Thou each burning seraph greetest 
As the sister twin of Love. 

Oft to mortals thou art finer 

Than that spirit far diviner. 

Here behold the home of mortals! 

They invite thee in to live. 
There's a welcome through these portals 

Kings nor palaces can give. 
Welcome, welcome, enter, enter 
Hearts and homes unto their center! 

Here are nature's purest passions, 
Sweeping up and down a scale, 

Changing in their power and fashions 
As the soul of Life would hail. 

By earth's purest fountain swelling 

Wilt thou make thy lasting dwelling? 

Here are little infants smiling, 

Buds and blossoms pure and sweet, 

Life and Love and Strength beguiling 
Till their hearts like hammers beat. 

Love with thee would share her story. 

Rock the cradle! 'Tis a glory. 

Here are lovers, youths and maidens, 
Visions, dreamings, hopes, desires. 

Futures like the morning aidens 
That entices and inspires. 

Where are better themes for singing 

Than within the home are springing? 

Life is hungry for a singer; 

Sense is servant of the lyre; 
All are longing for the flinger 

Of the lyric strains of fire. 
Wilt thou enter here and capture 
Homes and hearts with sacred rapture? 

Here are shadows, night and sorrow; 
Life is full of strife and pain; 

20 



All the lovers oft must borrow 

Balsam for the heart and brain, 
And the measm'e that thou pourest 
Quick and full and glad restorest. 

We must oft engage in battle, 
Oft be wounded, torn and bled, 

Often bought and sold as cattle, 
Often trampled like the dead; 

See the strife and greed surrounding; 

Thou art life and strength abounding. 

Home has no great gifts or praises. 
Honors, thrones and crowns of fai^e; 

Just a gratitude that raises 

To the heav'ns a heart of flame; 

Just glad memories, true devotions, 

Sometimes tears of great emotions. 

Thou dost enter, soul divinestl 
Thou dost enter with thy lyre. 

Flinging forth what thou enshrinest, 
Life anJ love and wine and fire. 

All home spirits o'er the portal 

In doth sing thee, soul immortal! 

I can hear sky mounting measures. 

River-fountains full of song, 
Music now has found her treasure 

In the home's enchaniing thronj^ 
This home angel with her singing 
Lifts us soaring, circling, swinging. 



A DKOP OF OIL. 

A little drop of oil 

On the vital spot 
Life's machines will keep 

Even when they're hot, 
So little drops of love 

On the wheels of life 
Make the married state a sonj 

Eo4h for man and wife. 



21 



A LOVER'S SONG. 

The maidan of my summer dreams 

I met one happy morn, 
When suns of love were pouring streams 

And golden joys were born. 
A nature from the azure skies, 

A rainbow purity, 
The spirit in her liquid eyes 

Soft beamed and smiled on me. 

That smile it filled me with delight 

And fed my heart for days ; 
I wished but just another sight, 

I longed and watched the ways. 
We met, and Oh her voice divine! 

Was music to my ear; 
Her words and their sweet soul enshrine 

Woke echoes rich and dear. 

Again we met and her soft hand 

Was friendshiped in my own; 
I felt some magic spirit band 

Enchantment round had thrown. 
It thrilled my spirit to the deep; 

It crimsoned cheek and brow; 
It woke a thousand thoughts from sleep 

And vowed the sacred vow. 

Still deeper, deeper in my heart 

This angel came with bliss; 
I gave my best immortal part. 

Betrothed her with a kiss. 
I throned her on my spirit's throne. 

And crowned her with my joy; 
So finding hope before unknown, 

Strength, truth and high employ. 

When pass again the winter's gloom 

And yonder azures smile. 
When birds will sing and flowers will bloom 

I'll lead her up the aisle. 
When youth and maidens gladness bring 

And envy me or pine. 
My heart with raptures new will sing: 

"Mine! Mine, forever mine!" 

Upon these earthly golden heights 
Still more and more my own! 

22 



When yonder 'mid the starry lights 

Still mine and mine alone! 
Through life and loss and pain and tears 

Love grows though all decline; 
Somewhere amid the golden spheres, 

"Mine! Mine, forever mine!" 



SLUMBER SONG. 

Oh sleep. Oh sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep! 

All things are sleeping now, 
The billows on the breasted deep. 
Clouds on the mountain's brow, 
The winds are hushed in sweet repose. 

Beasts crouch on plain and steep, 
The birds and flowers their eyelids close; 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep! 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep. 
Her spirit bathe with balm ! 

Oh sleep, Oh sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep! 

The nightingale's complaint 
In broken measures seems lo weep 
And sounds more far and faint. 
The solemn silence seems to breathe 

Divinest sorrows deep; 
Since sorrow's heart doth slumber part. 
Sleep, sleep Be'oved! Oh sleep! 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep. 
Her spirit bathe with balm! 

Oh sleep. Oh sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep! 

Now take thy liquid rest! 
The silent sea doth pillow thee 

Soft rocked upon her breast. 
The crystal fountains far below 

Into thy heart doth leap. 
The tides of life return their flow, 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep! 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep. 
Her spirit bathe with balm ! 

23 



Oh sleep. Oh sleep, Beloved, Oh sleep! 

The heart beneath each heart, 
The love within love's crystal keep 

Doth nurse thee as thou art. 
A babe upon that breast divine 

What blessing shalt thou reap! 
His life and love and all untwine. 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep! 
Sleep, sleep Beloved! Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep, Oh slumber deep. 
Her spirit bathe with balm ! 



WOMAN'S CIVIC SONG. 

Nature's rich, eternal passion 
Ever new creates the earth. 
She is rising with a fashion 

That she never dreamed at birth. 
Life is more and more immortal; 

Great ideals on us are; 
B^rom the morning's golden portal 
A new message flyeth far. 

Give the woman life's best honor, 
Just with man to equal stand! 
Is man's load of life upon her? 
Give the franchise to her hand. 

'Tis the message of the morning; 

Nature's ripest passion cries 
Through her science, gifts, adorning. 

For the woman best to rise. 
Let all liberty unfold her! 

Why should men deny her right? 
Why should state and law so hold her 

When they blot her from their sight? 
Give the woman life's best honor! etc. 

She has mothered up the nations, 

Ever smothered down the curse: 
Men and deeds that crown the stations 

Are the glories of her verse. 
Can this nature change its glory 

If the right repeals the wrong? 
Usher in the larger story 

Of the woman's civic song. 

Give the woman life's best honor! etc. 

24 



Life on her triumphant marches 

Cannot with unequals go. 
Those high pillared golden arches 
Dare not back the nobler throw. 
Man himself himself unknightens 

When denjing woman's right; 
Man and woman blessing brightens 
When the law lifts off the blight. 
Give the woman life's best honor, 

Just with man to equal stand; 
iS man's load of life upon her? 
Give the franchise to her hand! 



THE SONG OF THE SUFFRAGETTE. 

Loud, loud from the splendors of vision 

A silver and trumpet-like throat 
Smgs through great applause and derision: 

"Give, give to the woman a vote! 
The equal, the giver, partaker, 

With man of the day and the state, 
She serves and should rise and be maker 
Of law and the courses of fate. 

The law we will make and pay taxes; 
The same right for woman as man; 
Our rights, give our rights, or on-waxes 
The war that Great Right has began." 

"Man battled and battled, all taxes 

Denying unless he made laws. 
The very same battle he waxes 

'Gainst woman whose taxes he draws. 
Each payer of tax should be .naker 

Of law and the courses of state. 
We'll fight the old battle and shake her, 

Shake, sha'ie the old earth to think straight. 
The law we will make and pay taxes, etc." 

"All uplift of nature's impulsion 

Has struggled with laughter and scorn. 
To be laughed at and laugh with convulsion 

World ruling ideas are born. 
F»om the deep of old nature's ripe passion 

Our cause springs immortal and prime; 
Hail, hail to the world and its fashion, 

The swords and sarcasms of time! 

The law we will make and pay taxes, etc." 

25 



"Great science J.nd virtue and splendor 

Call loud on the human to rise. 
In rising' the stronger must tender 

What selfishness holds as a prize. 
In.iustice all power must surrender; 

Dishonor from strength mast unrobe; 
Rise woman, as woman's defender, 

And rock the strong man and his globe! 
The law we will make and pay taxes; 
The same right for woman as man; 
Our rights, give our rights, or on-waxes 
The war that Great Right has began." 



*VOTE AND NO-VOTE. 

Some twenty million years ago 

The god of evolution 
The elements of life threw in 

For gradual resolution. 
Eonic ages circled round 

With biologic tales, 
Now these eternal feminines 

And more eternal males. 

Then Life arose with interest keen 

And looked upon the world; 
A cosmos in the chaos built, 

But tempest stormed and hurled. 
She now and then the final truth 

With strokes of golden light 
Upon the barren walls of time 

Did thus in splendor write: 

"Man is the mould, the fashioned form. 

The god-like incarnation 
Of all the elemental powers 

And movements of creation. 
The passions of pulsating earth, 

Of planet and of sun. 
Into him flow and feed him full 

And round his being run." 

"The currents of the ages past. 
Like mighty tides that rise, 

^Written as a slight protest to "The Female of the Species. 

26 



Are gathered up and focussed here 
And swelling out in size. 

The infinite momentum s and 
The solor cosmic sweep 

Of this vast universe of power 
Into his being leap. " 

"He's loaded up with passion, 

He overflows with power, 
He's engined with all energies. 

He's bulwarked like a tower; 
He's driven with electrical 

Infinities of life; 
More a chaos than a cosmos, 

In elemental strife." 

"The first and last and surest mark 

Of man is vital force; 
Un-broken,-bridled, savage, fierce. 

It wrecks him on his course. 
So strong are his rough elements 

He does not know his power. 
But blinded by his blinded strength 

He doth himself devour." 

"All, all along the mighty course 

The evolution keeps 
Are battle fields and broken swords 

And skeletons in heaps. 
Old earth renews his giant strength 

And armors him with life 
Till he almost seems demented 

Or created for the strife." 

"I love the great and on the man 

My eyes would often feast 
Although I often spit on him 

As but a glorious beast. 
As selfish as the very brute 

And sensual to the core 
He never dreamed unselfishness 

And love he trampled o'er. " 

"So when the moral elements 
Within him came to bitth 

I felt a sudden thrill of joy 

That never leaped from earth. 

27 



I held my breath and focussed sight 
And searched the cause profound. 

And then the other half of man, 
The woman first I found. ' 

"The day man finds a man he finds 

A larger, nobler self; 
The day that finds a woman finds 

A solid globe of wealth; 
The only v/ealth that man doth need. 

The wealth That makes him great. 
That thrones him on a manhood throne 

And kings him v/ith estate." 

"Deep in the fairer, finer form, 

On which his strength did prey 
The higher germs of life had b"rth 

And sprang forth to the day. 
Out of the mother's passioned pains 

The sacrifices came 
That struck the mighty, selfish brute 

And brought him forth to shame." 

'Out of her rich maternal heart 

His poor paternal grew. 
She bound the family, then the tribe. 

And he the virtues drew. 
Great nature's passion grew and burst 

Into the flower of life 
And man the beauty saw and smiled 

And rose above the strife." 

• 
"The sacrifice intensifies 

The function and the power; 
The higher virtues blossomed forth 

Out of the mother's dower; 
The purer moral germs of life. 

Law, justice, truth and right. 
Were offspring of the mother's heart 

Though man did lend them might." 

"She mothered forth the first ideals. 
She nursed them from the beast; 

She is the life that gave the life 
To poet, prophet, priest. 

Before, behind, or close beside 
To every man that's great 

28 



Some woman in the shadow stands 
And lends him his estate." 

"In her divine and higher sense 

Religions have their force 
And draw their latest breath of life 

From whence they drew their source. 
Music, romance and poetry 

With high immortal pine 
Find closest kindred in her heart 

And grow toward the divine." 

"But weigh them as you weigh the beasts, 

The flesh against the flesh, 
Down, down he goes, the heavyweight 

With pride and strength afresh. 
But weigh them as you spirits weigh, 

The soul against the soul. 
It is the fine gold to the dross. 

An angel to a mole." 

"Although man crowns the latest age 

He's tall and straight and clean. 
High guided to his destiny 

By polar souls unseen. 
The home and wife and daughters fair 

Doth send him forth each morn, 
And by these higher souls of life 

He new each day is born." 

"Yet something of ihe brute he was 

Unto and round him clings; 
The primal selfishness of strife 

Still upward in him sprmgs. 
She's recognized, he gives his best; 

But nail it up and note: 
To every brute and fool the right, 

But woman should not vote." 

"Soon my indignant wrath now fierce 

Will take him by the throat, 
Against the wall, into bis teeth 

Shall teach him who should vote. 
His selfish strength has been a curse. 

Her love has been a hope, 
And though he crowns the world 'tis she 

Who leads him up the slope." 



29 



A WOMAN'S WAY. 

"Oh dear! This daily round I hate! 

The same old things, the same! 
Oh for a change to any state! 

I'd even change my name!" 

"All right!" the youth replied, "I'll change, 

And change it into mine; 
Oh come! Together let us range 

And feed this hungry pine!" 

"You! You! Oh such a thing as you! 

Such a rag, a scrap, a patch! 
The last man on the earth would do 

Before with you I'll match." 

Later we passed a cottage neat, 

A singing soul espied. 
"Who is that happy heart we greet?" 

"Oh! That's Miss B. the bride." 



NATURE HELPS. 

The wind saw Strength and Beauty fair 
And laughed in wildest glee: 

"I'll wed them one, true one I swear." 
And on them bounded free. 

Though firm he stood he muttered hard; 

"It blows a perfect gale; 
I fear for you, my gentle pard, 

You carry too much sail." 

"Oh don't mind me! I have no fear; 

The sail clings to the mast. 
Your arm so swift and strong and near 

Will hold me safe and fast." 

And now a ship is on the sea 

With noble mast and sail, 
And precious cargoes with them be 

As drives the gentle gale. 



30 



A FISHERMAN'S SONG. 

One day I fishing went elate 

As all the fishers ought. 
I fixed my hook with rarest bait 

That ever has been bought. 
Soon, soon a bite; 1 landed right 

The trout that I had sought; 
But must I tell!. The beauty swell 

The fisherman had caught. 

She was a beauty I confess, 

A pleasure to the eyes, 
Her plumpy form and rainbow dress 

Oh, any man would prize! 
When I came home my many friends 

Did wish me joy untold. 
I winked and smiled and them beguiled 

That I was ever sold. 

This troutlike beauty home I brought 

And put it in my stream; 
Around, about and in and out 

It darted like a dream. 
Three troutlets small one morning soon 

They to me smiling brought. 
Oh thunder, lightning t-nd the moon! 

Caught! Caught again, Oh caught! 

My trout and troutlets flourished fine, 

And I, I happy grew; 
And happiness is fat and wine, 

A song and courage new. 
My fishes leaping in the sun, 

I growing young and old; 
My days oft singing as they run: 

"Oh not so badly sold!" 



THE CARRIER DOVE. 

Oh My Love, My Love! See the carri^^r dove 
As she sweeps on her azure course! 

Oh behold her there and now breathe a prayer 
That will add to her winged force! 

While I sing a song that will bear her strong, 
A song to sustain her flight, 

31 



Of a double heart that is wide apart 

Yet one in its pure delight. 
For such prayers and songs on our earthly wrongs, 

Are as rain on the Avithered flowers, 
Arc as silver dew and the morning new 

On the world's decaying hours. 

Oh devout ally to the loves on high 

And the loves that are pure on earth, 
To the golden dreams and the vital streams 

From the founts of celestial birth ! 
What spirit of joy in the world's employ 

Or natures that fly or sing. 
Or like rainbows shine or with breath divine 

Can such magic, magic fling? 
The angels of heart with their passions dart 

To thee and to all their own. 
To the pansies bright and the noonday's height 

And to all that we there enthrone. 

Oh where is the frame and the spirit flame 

So in match. My Dear, as the dove' 
It well might enshrine a nature divine 

From the realms of light and love. 
There is peace and rest and a passioned breast, 

Trust, purity, gentleness. 
All in fragile mould like a vase of old 

In a beautiful flow of dress; 
In a beautiful white, like a bride bedight, 

Drinking atmospheres divine, 
On the azure skies on her way she flies 

To the worlds for which we pine. 

As I strain my ear to the silence dear 

A music downward floats; 
Sounds the gentle wings or the heart's sweet strings 

In those soft celestial notes? 
'Tis the heart! 'Tis the heart! ^or such measures start 

Alone in the deeps of love, 
Sweet, tender and mild and as undefiled 

As in angel hearts above. 
Oh never a sound that is heard or found 

In hearts of the lovers true. 
Can echo the thought or has ever wrought 

Dike the spells of her magic "Coo;" 

I'll wager with thee that thine eyes can see 
Her neck with a ribbon is bound; 

32 



And tlie knot there tied doth another hide 

With most mystic twisting wound. 
Oh what is the hue? Is it white or blue 

Or pied with a rainbow art? 
No, no, it is red. It was certain fed 

From the joys of his crimson heart. 
Tliat circle and shade on her bosom laid, 

That bosom of snowy white, 
Are in lovers' eyes a diviner prize 

Than pleasure and wealth unite. 

That unfolded note just beneath her throat, 

Oh tell me, Dear, what is that? 
It is small and square and is written fair 

And is sweet and bulging fat. 
Oh! It noldeth more than the poet's lore 

Or mines of the richest gold. 
Or the flashing light of the diamonds bright 

On the queenly brides of old. 
When she breaks the seal where a youth doth kneel 

And offers a glowing heart, 
What hopes and delights and what azure sights 

On her biain will sudden start! 



Mid the sunrise hills where the mountain rills 

Feeds the towns and the meadows bright, 
There dwelleth a youth with a heart of truth 

And a countenance of light. 
At the dawn of morn in his heart was born 

A dream and a dance of bliss, 
Which was written warm in the poet's form 

And sealed with a fervent kiss. 
At the source of her line y'ou can see his eyne 

As he maps her course on high; 
Through the hours and miles that her wav enwiles 

Do you see him watch and sigh? 

Oh Thou carrier dove! Thou servant of love! 

Thou art bearing a kingdom's weight; 
For the heart's desire and its dreams of fire 

Are more than decrees of state. 
Dike an arrow's flight, like a shaft of light. 

Dike a winged dream on high. 
O'er city and town, mount, river and down 

To thy goal, swift onward fly! 
Both the lover's prayer and the poet's care 

And the spirits strong above, 

33 



Will thy flight sustain through the wide domain 
So sacred to light and love. 

In the golden west is a virgin blest; 

She is waiting and looks for thee. 
At her vine-clad door how her visions soar 

Up the steeps where thou shouldst be! 
With cries of delight thou art on her sight 

And her heart doth madly beat, 
With a passion strong too high for a song 

In its glad enraptured heat. 
See! Her choicest gifts unto thee she lifts 

And her hands are stretched on high ; 
On her pillowed breast be thy wearied rest 

And her kiss shall close thine eye. 

Oh the carrier dove! Oh the carrier dove! 

Is an angel on our eyes, 
Is a helpmate high to the powers that fly 

'Tween the loves of the azure skies. 
Yes, the carrier dove on the height above 

Is a vision on our sight, 
Is a morning joy, is a rich employ, 

Is a deep divine delight. 
Oh celestial dove. Oh incarnate love. 

Be a vision on our view! 
Be forever dear! Be forever near 

To the loves and keep them true! 



YOUNG MOTHERHOOD. 

Young Motherhood! Young Motherhood! 

Kow oft ye cross my way! 
Like visits of the high and good 

Ye fill our common day. 
Yo float before my spirit's eyes 
With something of the azure skies, 
As flowers of earth 
At springtime's birth 
Bring dreams of something past their worth. 

My eyes rejoice when e'er we meet. 

What be the time or place; 
Within the home or on the street 

Thou always art a grace. 

34 



Through golden noon and starry night 
Ye are a vision on my sight; 

But this the best. 

When on thy breast 
Thy loved one smiles in slumbers blest. 

Thou art the very dream we would! 

A spirit most divine! 
Thou crownest every earthly good 
And blessings round thee twine. 
Tnis is rich heaven's royal seal 
Upon thy nature's high ideal, 
And her erdower 
Of every power 
Is focussed in thy passioned hour. 

Thou art a virtue that doth show 

The virtues that abide. 
Oh is there sight in earth below 

Like heaven's chosen bride! 
When such a bride God's loan and gift 
Intc her passioned breast doth lift. 
The mortal veil 
Doth Oil me sail 
And God the mother-heart I hail. 

Ard even when not perfect pure 

Ihere's virtue in thy breast. 
The sparks divine thou dost secure 

And feed them with the best. 
Thy infant is and with it brings 
A sense of heav'n and holy things; 
And in the fire 
Of this desire 
Ihy heart must feel the first inspire. 

A world has passed away from thee, 

A world of time and sense; 
Deceptions, shadows, pageantry, 

Excitements and pretense. 
Tnat world has passed thee as a dream 
Swift dancing down a sunny stream; 
But let it go. 
What dream can show 
A living heart with love in flow? 

Another world has dawned on thee 
Of love and light within; 

.35 



Another world, eternity ' 

Untouched by death and sin. 
What hosts of dreams and vital hopes 
Dress kingly lile'a ascending slopes! 

What forms of light 

In beauty bright 
Come from th> heart and all bedight! 

Thou art not of this earthly show 

Of fashion, pleasure, pride; 
Thou art a glory here below, 

A mother, wife and bride! 
The Giver of each perfect giit 
I^nlo himself our lives would lift; 
And in ihy heart 
With vital art 
Reveals his deep divinest part. 

What sweet content! What sacrifice! 

What calm and faith and joy! 
What happiness! What paradise! 

What wisdom and employ! 
New virtues now of nobler worth 
Come forth in thee with thy young birth ; 
Nor sweeter grows, 
Nor warmer glows 
The morning sun or evening rose. 

Thine eyes are toward the coming years. 

Thy plans are reaching far, 
Thy thoughts are climbing golden spheres. 

Thy purpose to a star. 
What poetry of magic art 
Is born within thy dreaming heart, 
To so create 
A royal state 
As round a prince of monarchs great! 

Thy ceaseless care and gentle might, 

Tc see it full unfold, 
It if! a pleasure to the sight 

As mortal eyes behold. 
The softest and the tenderest 
Doth o'er the weak and slenderest 
Of spirits frail 
And features pale 
With passions deep most gently sail. 

36 



Ho -V oft upon the summer street 

My eyes have such beheld; 
Though passing as a shadow fleet 

My heart ^as touched and welled. 
TIjhi tenderness and soft caress, 
That look divine and gentle press, 
Through selfish strife 
With sorrows rife 
It struck the rock and out flowed life. 

The nobler men whom thou dost meet 

Rejoice in thee and thine; 
They breathe a prayer that passes fleet 

Straight to the heart divine. 
"Oh all supreme and mother love, 
Protect them from Thy throne above; 
Surround them with Thy ceaseless care 
And both upon Thy bosom bear! 
From sense and sin. 
Without, within. 
Oh shelter them till heaven they win!" 

And many a man within his bi'east 

That sense the same has felt: 
A hidden something none has guessed 

His icy bosom melt. 
"When thee and thine their eyes behold 
The sealed-up heart doth free unfold, 
Till deeps divine 
Unbidden pine: 
"Would such were mine, mine, only mine! 

Oh empty heart! Oh empty heart! 

For self were none create 
And none their best can e'er impart 

Till heart has found its niaie; 
And hearts will never find their mates 
Till Love the heart anew creates; 
When making new 
She maketh two 
Both complements, high, pure and true. 

Though now plone and far apart, 

AU loves together run; 
Ye soon shall meet and heart to heart 

Forever more be one. 

37 



Soft angels from the crystal spheres 
Shall bring thee faith and prayer and tears, 

And round this vine 

Thy hearts shall twine 
x\nd grow up in the love divine. 



ENVY. 

She saw him kiss his happy wife, 

His wife and child with glee, 
And half unconscious sighed and sighed: 

"I wish that I were she." 
He from his corner saw her kiss 

As but the hungry see, 
And starving lean for life he sighed: 

"I would that I were he." 
Oh would some power the lost and lone 

That wander far apart 
So guide them till themselves they found 

Within each other's heart! 



THE WIFE'S RETURN. 

The wife came home tonight; 

And with her came the day 
That shineth round her bright 

And with her went away. 
The blossoms, trees and wind 

And all of nature sighed; 
The day grew sudden blind, 

And starless night did ride 
Upon my heart and mind 

Wlien steamed away my bride. 

But since she has come home 

I'm happy as can be. 
The murm'ring wine doth foam 

With drunken ecstacy. 
My brain is all on fire. 

My heart is full of love, 
And eyes have their desire. 

The happy madness of 
The heavens and inspire 

Rains on me from above. 



88 



I'm wrapped in dreams tonight! _ 

I'm in a dream of bliss! 
Our courtship at its height 

A desert were to this! 
A dream within a dream! 

The dream divinely blest, 
For beside me in the gleam 

A more than bridal guest 
That brings a summer stream 

Into my winter breast. 

Light up the windows wide! 

Throw blinds and curtains back! 
And let the brightness ride 

Into the darkness black. 
Oh light up every pane 

And brighten every room! 
Let light and gladness reign 

And banish every gloom! 
Let the house be like a fane 

The souls of light illume! 

Oh call the neighbors in! 

We'll kill the fatted calf! 
Call all my kith and kin 

To see my "better half!" 
We'll spill the oldest wine 

And feast on ripest fruits; 
Uncork the hearts benign 

With ioy and song that suits; 
Make this return divine 

With wedding magic flutes. 

Oh let the music play! 

Call full musicians in! 
Give them a place, I pray. 

Piano, violin! 
I'm nimble as the snipes. 

As swallows on the wing; 
I could wave the Stars and Stripes 

And dance the highland fling; 
I could play the tartan pipes 

And in the Gaelic sing. 

I'm richer than a king! 

I'm larger than a lord! 
Thrones and empires I could fling 

Like pennies from a hoard! 

39 



Here is the poet's lyref 

Life's royal lobes of might! 

Here is the heart of fire, 

Crown, scepter, jewels b ight! 

You may take your best desire 
If you leave my soul's delight. 

A man that has a wife, 

A home that's full of love. 
He is the king- of life 

And heir to more above. 
A man with such a wife 

His heaven has begun. 
He is more than king of life: 

He can walk or fiv or run; 
Has his victory in the strife 

And "a mortgage on the sun." 



THE CANDY MAKER, 

A husband on a winter night 

Was sitting in his home. 
Within the open fire Avas br-ight. 

Without the snowy loam. 
The nursing wife with joy and pride 

His honeyed praises sung: 
When suddenly he stopped the tide 

And this song on her flung: 

"Oh wife, Oh wife! I do declare. 

You have a gift divine! 
A special gift both rich and rare 

For sweetmeats superfine. 
You are a candy maker sure 

Of most delicious skill; 
A genius that can sweets secure 

Where others find but ill. 

"Oh never yet confectioner 

Of any Christmas town 
Had in his windows, I aver, 

Such candies of renown! 
Your goods are alwciys fresh and bright; 

Your stock is never low. 
Sure some one buys them day and night 

To keep you busv so. 

40 



•'Have you within your heart and mind 

Some syrups most divine, 
Or honev that the bee did find 

In flowers of perfumeu wme? 
Did Cupid on your marriage day 

Give you a ewer filed, 
That such a flavor makes its way 

In what your hands nave skilled : 

••A woman yet was never seen 

Who gum-drops makes as you. 
Who eats of these though he is lean 

Will fatten up anew. 
Though sugared o'er uivto the eye 

They're drops of vital health. 
No woman in the land, I say, 

Makes gum-drops like yourself. 

"And taffy, when you taffy make 

I like to see you puil. 
Molasses black you twist and shake 

To snowy beautiful. 
Your taffy-making is your forte. 

Your glory and enjoy; 
You make enough for king and court 

In half an hour's employ. 

"When I forget myself and eat 

Your candies make me tight. 
I feel unsteady in my reet 

And in my head am light. 
Oh' Should the pablic chance to find 

From whence mv madness came, 
That you by candies so did bind, 

I'd die of very sham.-. 

"I must preserve myself at once 

Before it is too ^ate. 
Oh old and silly, silly dunce. 

To sport with such ? fate! 
Your praises are a danger. Dear, 

And ere they run their course 
I'd better intercept the fear 

And from it far divorce. 

"Ye candy-makers of the town! 

Oh here I advertise 
A taffy-puller of renown, 

41 



A gum-drop making prize r 
A new machine for finest creams, 

For caramels ani puffs; 
She'll boom your business to your dreams 

With sweetest toothsome stuffs. 

"But hold! Oh hold! Don't all apply! 

She's gone out on the strike. 
She swears she'll scrub or starve or die 

Ere work for her dislike. 
And Oh, her likes are passing strange! 

I'll whisper this to thee: 
•She says, of all the men that range 

She'll work for only me.' 

"Well, well, My Dear! Work on for me! 

I'll keep the solemn vow. 
This touch of weakness that I see, 

For thee I'll large allow. 
These praises with a pinch of salt 

I'll take, Oh wife, from thee. 
There might be blame for many a fault. 

But love is blind, I see." 



SONG FOR MARRIAGE. 

Oh Love, Oh Love thy portal. 

Wide open, widest fling! 
The hour with love immortal 

The bride and groom doth bring 
The promise, hour and passion 

With deepest raptures sing; 
And thou in heaven's fashion, 

Come be the priest and king! 

The queen with all her maidens. 

Enrobed in snowy white, 
Her glowing heart unladens. 

In his, her best delight. 
He in life's crowning glory. 

With granite strength and truth, 
In hers with sacred story 

Doth pour his heart of youth. 

Before love's great Defender, 
Before all loving hearts, 

42 



m lull and glad surrender 

All to the other parts. 
Two hearts and each a mortal 

In love unite in one. 
Now pass the golden portal 

Where higher circles run. 

Oh Love entTironed supernal^ 

On thine upon the earth, 
Rain showers sweet and vernal 

And wake in stronger birth 
Love, peace and hope and pleasure, 

And even sorrow's sighs 
That grows toward thine own measure. 

And toward thine azure skies. 

In pure and golden morning. 

Through height and heat of noon. 
In eve with soft adorning. 

Through night that may be sorn. 
Though times and change of fashion 

As up and down they go. 
Mav love grow in its passion 

Like rivers as they flow. 

Now sunshine build their arches, 

Soft flowers pave their way. 
May gladness sing their marches 

From this their bridal day! 
]\Iay love a form of splendor, 

God's image from on high. 
On earth be the'r attender 

And angel to the sky! 



THE DREAMED OF. 

Spirit of the azure sky, 
Princess of the heavens high, 
Woman to the angels nigh! 
Tl'ou are realer than the real 
Though tlie senses cannot feel 
Spirit of my soul's ideal! 
Nearer than the noisy near, 
Tliough no w^hispers either hear 
Princess crowning all my sphere 1 

43 



Brighter than the brightest bright 
Though unseen to mortal sight, 
Woman with a soul of light! 
Dream far more than flesh and bone, 
Heard and seen and touched and known, 
Angel of my spirit's throne! 

Stately, tender, tall and fair. 
Crowned with beauties rich and rare, 
Robes of virtue thou dost wear. 
Round thee are the atmospheres 
Which refines and lifts and cheers 
And rebellious sense reveres. 
In thy face thy soul of light 
Shines and glows with color bright 
Like thy passions red and white. 
Rise and fall upon thy breast. 
Sweetness, peace and love and rest. 
Thou and them forever blest. 
In thy rich and happy mind 
Dawn and tv/iltght beauties kind. 
Flowers and birds and dreams divined. 
Fountains spring up in thy heart. 
Music, sorrow, song and art 
That the worlds immortal bart. 

I have loved thee with a fear, 
Standing far, then drawing near 
Smiles and words and welcomes dear. 
Love inspired a living faith 
Neither life nor death could scathe, 
Doubt or fear or phantom wraith. 
Faith has clothed me with a power 
That all hero souls endower 
From high heaven's highest tower. 
Power was crowned and crowned with joy 
That has never dreamed annoy, 
Sorrow, wrinkle, fear or cloy. 
Joy seemed heaven's purest fire, 
Self consuming in desire. 
Glowing deeper, wider, higher. 

We have been together oft, 
Granite strength and beauty soft. 
Riding far and far aloft. 
In the early morning dawn, 
On the dewy splendored lawn, 
Seen the rainbow curtains drav/n. 

44 



On the hills where visions be 
1^'atched licli sunsets in the sea 
Till the tears were flowing free. 
When the golden moon was round 
Soaring, soaring, music bound, 
Where the fairy dreams were found. 
Milk\ ways cf flaming night 
Often circled with delight. 
Growing deep and strong and white; 
1 hen descending to the earth 
Found still greater strength and mirth 
In each other's wealth of Nvorth. 

I have dreamed and dreamed of thee 
Till no dream could realer be. 
Giving life and light to me. 
Akibaster boxes fine. 
Treasures, pernimes, figs and wine 
I have offered at thy shrine. 
Songs and dreams of flie and flame 
With the robes and crowns of tame 
From my breast to greet thee came. 
In thy presence I have felt 
Something hard and stony melt 
Till in tears I lowed and knelt. 
1 have soared on eagle's wings, 
Scorning high immortal kings, 
Thrones and crowns and robes and ring 
Angpl of the morn to me. 
Light and peace and purity 
From beyond the glassy sea! 

But, 'tis as well as never met; 
I thy spirit pure would fret, 
Bleed thy heart and bosom wet. 
I Avas born out of the years, 
Marked for strife and grief and fears. 
Weeping blood instead of tears. 
Selfish, passioned and intense. 
Most unbalanced soul and sense, 
Heart and brains with storms immense- 
I am but the common clay, 
Life and time, greed, night and day, 
Blinded, driven on niy way: 
Poor and harnessed, worked and fed 
Gravel srones instead of bread 
Till I wish that I were dead. 

45 



Often gladness doth me shake, 
flesh and blood thou didst not take 
And thy heart I did not break. 

In the ages that untwine, 
'Mong the starry worlds that shine, 
On eternal travels fine, 
Sliall we ever, ever meet, 
Witli an equal passion greet, 
And our hearts together beat? 
Purged, renewed and glorified. 
Strength and purity allied. 
Shall I meet thee as my bride? 
When I climb to thy far spnere 
Shall I meet thee with a tear 
That thy lover dost appear? 
In my breast hear whispers fine 
Piercing me like fire benign: 
"Mine, Oh mine, forever mine!" 



A WISH. 

My Dear! Just read that foolish line! 

Oh! Womankind are mad! 
The only thing that is divine 

Is folly fashion clad. 
I'rom reason's virtues now divorced 

To folly they are wed; 
And round her circles ever forced 

And by her daily fed. 

They need no character today. 

Just anything in pants! 
A monkey and a monkey's play 

And money them entrance. 
As man by gold so womankind 

By nothing now is bought; 
A nothing in an evening dress 

And thousands may be caught. 

The folly of their fashion's dress. 

Of idle vanity, 
Of pleasure, pride and wealthiness 

Is like insanity. 
I half believe what Darwin thought; 

4G 



Foi sure such foolishness, 

Is just a monkey little taught 

And togged up in a dress. 

The old ideal of womankind, 

> helpmate unto man, 
A helpmate which the heavens find 

To build their noblest plan, 
I'ii shattered now or laughed away, 

Or lying in the dust; 
Like and unlike a child at play 

For folly all is thrust. 

To make a home was once an art; 

She mothered true the young, 
V. ith God and heaven in her heart 

And gladness on her tongue. 
Th? home it w^as a glory then; 

The mother crowned with fame; 
Oh dark the dark eclipses when 

Her glory is her sham.e! 

Another spirit has the throne, 

Another has the heart, 
AMiom both the good and wise disown 

And from her far depart. 
Oh anything but want of thought 

And moral earnestness! 
Oh anything tut want of thought 

And foolish effervesce: 

So when I see as I must see 

By word and ear and look, 
I scorn them far and w^ander free 

By forest, field and brook; 
I leave, I leave them far behind. 

And wander on my way; 
But here I pause and for my kind 

My wishing heart obey. 

Oh in there not a world divine. 

A world of men alone, 
With woman banished o'er the line, 

Or better, never known! 
How many and many a man in this 

By woman's folly free. 
Has wished just such a bower of bliss 

Where starry spaces be! 

47 



In such a world creation's lord 

Grows up unto his plan; 
Untoldlng all within him poured, 

Ihe noble world of man. 
Oh world of young and happy boys! 

Oh bright aspiring youth! 
Oh manhood's prime which nought destroys; 

Oh hoary sires of truth! 

Oh what a world of manhood's height! 

Oh bright celestial race! 
Oh men, Oh men, ye rich bedight 

All common things with grace! 
To think of thee in but a dream 

Oh how the passions pine! 
To feel thy presence on us stream 

h- sense and hope divine. 

If wish can propliesy what is. 

There must be in the sky 
Just such a world, and Oh the bliss 

To hold it in the eye! 
Is that it yonder shining there? 

I'll spread my eagle wings, 
I'll trust the vision shining fair, 

I'll follow where it brings! 

Vm rising to the world of men; 

The vision grows more clear; 
The earth is falling off my ken; 

And larger grows the sphere. 
Oil noble world! Oh noble world 

Of boys and youth and man! 
Of all the spheres around me whirled 

No brighter do I scan. 

Ye envy me my noble peers 

Whom I must leave behind; 
But I'll remember in the spheres 

And soon come back you'll find- 
Then, then ye all shall go with me! 

We'll leave the sisterhood; 
We hope that they will better be 

But we'll grow as we should. 

Let hope now ante-date the day! 

Our joys they overflow; 
Oh world of womanhood away! 

Away, away we go! 

48 



\ GUI' tollies now we free forgive! 

Repent, repent we pray! 
Oli world of men forever live! 

Aw ay ! A v^^ay ! Av\^ay ! 

Tli( re, there, My Dear, don't look so glum; 

Nor murmur eye or lip; 
For when I go I'll say: "Ccme! Come! 

Come, join me in my trip. ' 
Sir.ce we have net not very far 

From each we've been below^; 
So when I wing to that bright star. 

Beloved, thou shalt go. 

But hold! Oh hold! I'll take that back! 

That pledge I'll hold in fee! 
A gath'ring (!loud around my track 

Debates and pauses me. 
There's danger in that happy joy 

To them and you and me; 
ril leave thee here and after cloy 

Come back again to thee. 

Oii.^ woman when the w^orld began 

Made all our sorrows stream; 
One woman in the world of 'iian 

Oh who would dare to dream! 
Thy spirit ncw^ before their eyes 

Would kindle all aglow. 
Such envy for a single prize 

V/ould more than sorrows ^ow. 

Alone among those kingly peers 

Admired and praised by all; 
Oh listen with your spirit ears! 

D.T whispers on them call, 
0.f woman's sin, her vanity. 

Of woman's wish, a thrall. 
Of woman's pride, insanity 

In those that round her fall? 

And r who love thee as my life 

And life is more than heart. 
From that high world to this of strife 

In silence would depart. 
When fallen from a golden throne, 

When broke the eagle's wing, 

49 



Le.^erted, wandering and alone, 
Oh who couid soar and sing/ 

No no, My Dear! When there I go, 

I'll leave thee here behind. 
I'll leave thee in the vales I know 

Where I again can find. 
I'id lose a throne and diadem, 

All stars that gem the blue, 
Tlif royal spirits crowning them 

Ere lose thy spirit true. 

Away Oh dream! Come, come to me; 

Thou art my heart's delight! 
My heart shall ever stay with thee, 

Oh angel of my sight! 
Farewell, farewell uncertain light! 

These scraps of men be thine! 
The worlds pure womanhoods bedight, 

These worlds and thou be mine! 



THE ANNIVERSARY. 

What! To-night the return of the night that was brightest 
Through years of thy youth and the hopes of thy heart; 

When love crowned in blossoms and robed in the whitest 
Her soul and its trust in thy own did mipart. 

Are the bright forms cf memory enchanting and streaming 
Now thav/ing thy heart and inspiring thv mind? 

May the hopes and the joys and the sweetness f^.i.d dn aming 
Flow down on they soul till thy tears do unbind! 

Behold in yon window are bunches of r>ises 
Fcr beauty and music and praise and delight; 

But hers the divinest that toward thee ne'rr closes 
Has not worn thy rose since that long bridal night. 

Then pick out ^he whitest or those that are turning 
To faintest fine yellow and sprinkled with dew. 

Or some with red tingeing a,s if a heart burning 
With love that was crimson would waken thine new. 

On branches the greenest now bear home thy roses; 

Her bosom will lend them a beauty most rare; 
When flowers of a heart on another reposes 

They blossom and fragrance as no other where. 

50 



Oh what is this warming and melting rnd flowing 
That circles thy heart like a draught of ^weet w^ine? 

If dreams of our past have such sweetness and glowing 
Oh what would love have if it knew^ no decline 

Seel She w^aits at the window. Is she the same maiden 
That day filled thy mind and high swelled it with pride 

The warm heart and loving can see a =ioul laden 

If but with a thought and though smiles would it hide. 

She catches the brightness and soft liquid gleaming 
That love in the heart flings out through the eyes. 

Its lightning contagion has waked the old dreaniing 
When every return brought her sweeter surprise. 

Now bring out the roses, the roses whose passion 

Has wide channels been for deep feeling most blest; 

With manner and motion in true lover rashion 

Pin them on her heart and her deep heaving breast. 

Sit down by the fender before the coal burning; 

Draw her to thy side and deep into ihy heart, 
As a lover long distant and now in returning 

His loved one enclasps as no more to denart 

Free murmur thy heart, for the heart's deep emotion 
Can find the sweet thoughts and the otill sweeter tones; 

'Twill be life to her heart to unseal the devotion 
That deep in thy spirit her spirit enthrones. 

Tell how the heart fountains afresh have been broken 
That love from its pledges of truth should decline. 

That time should engross thee to give no new token 
Of her that is dearer than all undivine. 

Ask first to forgive for the heart's hidden sorrow 

Of love's unexpected and partial eclipse; 
As each summer sun is surpassed by the morrow 

Thy heart should grow warmer and flow from thy lips. 

Thy silence and coldness in coming and going 

Have cast on her heart, doubt, fear, strife and pain; 

But just drop a tear and her heart overflowing 
Forgives and rejoices and calls loss a gain. 

Tell how in thy heart is a mansion most golden. 

With deep granite base and with high spiendored dome 
And blessings md beauties no mortals beholden 

Are centered and queened in who makes it a home. 

51 



Tell how thy deep passions oft round her are flowing 
With foaming and sparkling and murmuring joy; 

While populous thoughts winged, mounting and glowing 
Look up in her face in thy deepest employ. 

She should know that her image oft round thee is winging 
In street and in hall and in gain's busy mart, 

With sweetness and shining and gladness and singing 
To something divine that dwells deep m thy heart. 

Oh has not that image upon thee cast beauty, 
And led out thy mind to the splendors of light! 

Oh has it not throned and enmajestied duty 
Supreme and sublime on the dazzling height ! 

Has it not stemmed the currents that round thee were sweeping 
Of darkness and power and incitements to crime? 

Hast thou not felt its strong but .mysterious keeping 
And passed the dark flood to a safe sunny clime? 

Has not her white presence with pow-er afar banished 
The dark forms of sense that arose on thy mind? 

And sanctified manhood when these had all vanished 
Have virtues beheld of the high heaven kind. 

Has it not made thee thoughtful and patient and gentle! 

Has it not taught thee kindness to man and to beast! 
Has it no visions brought thee of God the parental 

Who mothers all souls from the first to the least, 

Thy heart's alabaster again be unbroken; 

Its fragrance and sweetness and healing be poured 
With tones and sweet touch and with heart prompted token, 

In hers who all sweetness in thine has instored. 

Oh tell it out free! for the speech will unburden 
The tensions of fear and the doubtings of love; 

Such weakness is strength and thy spirit will girden 
With powers that descend to thy soul from above. 

Her heart into thine will afresh pour its treasure, 

The divine soul in both will burst forth like a fount. 

From the height it descends will be the vast measure 
To which on its bosom both spirits will mount. 

Then, oft pick out the roses when home thou art turning. 

The roses of beauty and odor divine; 
Pin them on her heart and both hearts anew burning 

Will know what love is when it knows no declii e. 

52 



STUDENT'S LOVE SONG. 

Oh blessed night with respite bright 

From study's sterner duty! 
The city car bears me afar 

To join my love and beauty. 

My heart is bright with strange delight 
As I set the bells a singing; 

A moment more than at the door 
My loved one greets my ringing. 

So in we go to bright fire's glow, 

I and my love so tender; 
A cozy place, a soul sweet face 

And four feet on the fender. 

We see in dream the golden gleam 
That gilds the coming morrow; 

We hear the song of joys that throng 
To drive the shades of sorrow. 

We plan our home, no palace dome, 
A cot 'mid tree,s and flowers; 

But love, peace, rest, and angels blest 
Will throng our trellised bowers. 

We'll love and live while time doth give 

To be with one another; 
In heav'n above we still will love 

As angel and as brother. 



LOVE AND SORROW. 

As on the skies and stars above 

Clouds float upon the glory. 
So is the brightest dream of love 

Come shadows dark and hoary. 
There is no love, there is no power 

To save us from the shadow. 
We all must pass through loss and grief 

Ere reach our Eldorado. 
Just as the measure of our strength 

Can life decay and languish. 
Our youth and joy and hope and love 

Can measure out our anguish. 

53 



Though love is life's divinest bliss 

And all from her would borrow 
Both love and lovers never miss 

Their major share of sorrow. 
The heavens sing to all above, 

Earth sings to wise and meanest, 
That those who deep and purest love 

Shall suffer most and keenest. 
And yet the brightest, purest joys 

Grow out of love that weepeth; 
Nor angels know nor dreams can show 

The joys wise sorrow reapeth. 



KING AND BEGGAK 

As I wandered 

Sorrow wrought 
Deep I pondered 

Life in thought. 
Disanointed, 

Driven, wined. 
Disappointed, 

Soul was blind. 

Sudden whispers 

Struck my ear. 
As if lispers 

In my rear 
Words then mentioned 

In a tone 
Not intentioned 

For my own. 

"That's the royal 

Soul of town. 
He is loyal 

To life's crown. 
Noble, honored. 

Gifted, wise. 
Rich and able 

In men's eyes. 

"He sees stories, 
Dreams and songs; 

Makes life's glories 
Out of wrongs; 

54 



From our sorrows 
Singing brings; 

Sweetness borrows 
From our stings." 

"Of the masses 

We are least. 
Of the classes 

He is priest. 
Of all mortals 

Round that ring 
We are beggars, 

He is king." 

Then I lingered, 

Let them pass. 
Gently fingered 

Show plate glass. 
Soon forgotten, 

On they go; 
Grief besotten 

Followed slow. 

Thou hast seen them, 

Husband, wife. 
And between them 

Flower of life; 
Dream and vision 

Rich and rife, 
Pure derision 

On our strife. 

He was noble. 

She was true 
•And the baby 

Pure as dew. 
Love was smiling; 

Faith was guard; 
Hope beguiling; 

Joy was bard. 

They fed kisses 

To the child; 
She fed blisses 

Almost wild. 
Such eye-dreaming, 

Fond carress, 
Such love tokens 

Lovers guess. 

55 



God was under; 

Heav'n above; 
They were rip'ning 

In pure love. 
Straight as arrows; 

Clean as truih; 
Eating marrows 

Out of youth. 

He defender, 

Guard and glide. 
She a beauty 

More than brido. 
Baby healthy 

And divine, 
All so happy 

I did pine. 

"Surely, surely 

This is life! 
Dream of heav'n. 

Husband wife. 
Royal are they. 

King and Queen. 
Beggar am I 

Starved and lean." 



MAMA'S ANSWER. 

"Oh Mamma! Where is Papa? 

I've called and called again; 
But echo answers: "ha ha!" 

And mocks my eager ken. 
Down in the cellar shaded 

I've hunted and upstair, 
And round the lawn embraided 

With flowers, and everywhere. 
Mid garden things the greenest 

And 'mid the vines so sweet. 
In places best and meanest. 

But Papa cannot greet. 
In and out and all around — 

Mama! Why do you smile? 
You know where Papa can be found, 

And knew it all the while." 



56 



"Where is your Papa, Dearest? 

Yon fancy I must know. 
What in n^y face appearest 

To whisper secrets so? 
I know where is your Papa; 

He never was more near. 
Though echo answers: "ha ha!" 

Your voice is in his ear. 
He's present here and smiling 

And warm and sweet and glad, 
Although perhaps beguiling, 

Your Mama seems so bad. 
His scul aloud is singing 

With music's soft repeat, 
Its happy waves are springing 

Against thy soul to beat. 
His eyes with joy beholden 

His best of earthly things, 
His arms wait to enfolden 

Whene'er she toward him springs. 
He's c^^se beside and glowing 

To give and take thy bliss, 
Toward thee his all is flowing 

And waiting fcr thy kiss." 

■'Why Mama! Are you dreaming 

To talk in such a style? 
I never heard such streaming 

Or saw you so beguile. 
You sav my Papa's near me 

And listens to n^y cry; 
He ne'er before did hear me 

And did not quick reply. 
Were Papa's eyes soft flashing 

And arms extended wide, 
How soon I would be dashing 

To in his bosom hide. 
But Mama, Tell your story! 

I see it in your eye.s; 
I see some shining glory 

Is dancing with surprise."' 

"Where is your Papn. Dearest? 

If you would wish such lore 
Come to my heart the nearest 

The mother heart has bore. 
Oh arms, oh arms enfolden! 

Enfold, enfold her tight! 

57 



A treasure more than golden 

Oh clasp her with thv miglit! 
Oh cradle arms parental! 

The giant strength ye loan 
With passion strong but gentle. 

Oh hold her as your own! 
Still dearer, love, and dearer. 

The distance must be less! 
Still nearer, child, and neaier. 

Still closer on me press! 
Still on my bosom deeper! 

Still farther, farthe- in! 
Still more. Oh draw and keep her 

Than she before has been! 
Oh body break between us! 

Oh flesh, dissolve away! 
Oh mortal veils that screen us. 

Divide, divide, I ]:ray! 
Ope, ope, Oh spirits' portal! 

Oh hearts together flow! 
Oh essence most immortal. 

Grow, grow together, grow! . 
Oh life's divinest passion. 

Oh love with thy desire. 
This maid in heaven's fashion 

Draw nigher, nigher. nigher! 
My being now is burning 

With fervors like the sun, 
This, this is all my yearning. 

One, one, forever one! 



And now from these embraces. 
Come, tell me what you've found! 

Love, and 'in love' are places 
Where royal truths abound. 



"Oh Mama! What a beating 

Was in that deep embrace, 
Repeating and repeating 

Upon my heart and face! 
Something in your breast divine 

Struck like a hammer stroke, 
Right here upon this heart of mine 

It seemed it almost broke. 
Like music with its measure 

I felt it come and go, 

58 



1 felt it with a pleasure. 

And held its rich bestow. 
,loy, hope and thine own yearning 

Seemed then to flood my soul; 
Now through my being burning 

I feel life onward roll. 
Oh Mama! I am guessing 

The story thou canst part; 
Thy eyes, they are confessing 

That Papa is thy heart." 

"Yes! That is your Papa, Dearest. 

He entered in my heart, 
\nd this which there appearest 

Is all his rich impart. 
His thinking and his feeling. 

His life and love and might 
Are in me and unsealing 

A sweetness past delight. 
The passion and the pleasure. 

The fiery, iervent glow, 
Tlie joy and vital treasure 

Of heaven's best bestow, 
Are in his soul tnshrinest. 

And he within my heart, 
And in them both divinest. 

Oh beloved child thou art!" 



BLED. 

i saw upon the street 

A feehle man and boy; 
A perfect winter age, 

A budding April joy. 
Together they joined hands; 

The boy was bright and gay; 
The Old man with his cane 

Did seem to pick his way. 

I paused and dropped a sigh: ' 

"The poor old man is blind; 
The little grandson leads 

With cheery talk and kind.'' 
As gradual they drew near 

I watched the solemn scene; 
A blind man in his night 

With thinking makes me lean. 

59 



Just then as they drew near 

I looked upon the boy; 
Such never seemed so fair. 

So pure and full of joy. 
Soul loved him as I looked 

And sought his eye to find. 
1 saw, I shook, I cried: 

"Great God! The boy is blind!" 

All day I could not see, 

But wandered dark and sad; 
A sword went through mv heart 

Each time I saw the lad. 
And memory all that day 

Did bring him to my eyne. 
I bled and bled and b'ed 

For her that called him: "Mine! 



A HEART TRUTH. 

The open hearth was burning low, 
The lamp beneath the crimson shade 
Was mellowed to that tender glow 
That tempts deep thoughts from their dark glade; 
The atmosphere from strife was stayed 
And filled with sprites who hov'ring round 
Did bless a joyful mother-maid. 
Whose infant's birth for her unbound 
A world of purest love, of golden light and sound. 

While sitting in this holy calm, 
Her love like some celestial wine 
Brought to her lips a gentle psalm, 
Whose music did the child enshrine 
In sleep with dreams no doubt divine. 
The sleeping babe upon her breast 
The cares of day did so untwine, 
That love and joy and peace and rest 
And motherhood divine her being full possessed. 

Her hand, none soft as a new made 
Mother's, with pleasure most intense 
Upon her baby's face was laid 
And thrilled her being's every sense; 
Her circling arms, love's cradling fence, 
But gentle in their loving power, 

60 



Into her soul the babe drew tense, 
While on its heart she rained a shower 
Of kisses pure that fed life's fragile op'ning flower. 

Her eyes were clear as crystal bright 
And through them looked a soul most fair 
To gaze upon her new delight 
With that sweet joy her heart did bear. 
Her love and joy and hope and prayer 
Did crowd to look through these deep eyes 
And broke their alabaster rare 
Upon the habe from which did rise 
Such incense as might spring from pure self sacrifice. 

So went her soul in its emotion 
Out toward the bahe upon her breast. 
That it did seem some tide of ocean 
Was crowding in its breadth and crest 
A narrow gorge into its rest; 
Or like a noble soul that brought 
A love which only it possessed, 
But found its power to give was nought, 
And felt its heart would burst with love so over fraught. 

As she sat under this sweet pain 
A voice within her heart was heard, 
That sounded as a sweet refrain 
That being's deepest passion stirred: 
"Now hast thou learned the truth deferred 
When thou for light so long didst cry; 
And thou canst read life's golden word 
Which deep within thy heart doth lie. 
About thy Father's love enthroned in heaven high." 

"As thou dost love this babe of thine 
The Father ever feels toward thee; 
All hearts are filled from his divine, 
Which breaks to give its gifts so free; 
Within thy heart thou mayst see 
An image faint of his the best 
Which only seeks but this from thee: 
That thou wilt trust his love and rest 
Like thine own babe for aye on his eternal breast." 



61 



SAVED. 

She kissed him in and kissed him out 
Where dark foes howl and hiss. 

He thought of her; his foes did route; 
Love saved both with a kiss. 



REMARRIED. 

Oh hark again, Beloved Wife! 
The spirit's breath is sharp; 

A something on the cords of life 
Is breaking through my harp. 

Another sweet domestic song- 
Doth into being start; 

Oh spirit blow and let the flow 
Feed her now hungry heart! 

Within my dreams the other night 

Were sounding golden chimes; 
For we were married, My Delight, 

A half a dozen times. 
A half a dozen times, My Dear, 

The sacred rite was read. 
And every time had sweeter chime 

Than any that had fled. 

An image once dawned on my mind 

As soft as balmy morn. 
As bright as are the lights that blind 

Earth's hate and greed and scorn. 
I loved her with a passion white 

And she responded true; 
So married I that spirit high 

But yet unbodied you. 

At length upon a summer day. 

Oh day whence blessings break! 
We met and quick my image gay 

Did flesh and blood partake. 
Though not a word between us then, 

A magic most divine 
My being thrilled and I was willed 

To have and call thee: "Mine!" 

62 



All through the lovers' drunken days 

How often we were wed! 
The bridal hour with golden lays 

Unto us quickly sped. 
When there before the solemn powers 

The union had been sealed, 
Joy's sweetest tears and happy fears 

My grateful heart did yield. 

When came at length our little girl 

How foolish then were we! 
Our hearts and minds were in a whirl 

Of drunk ecstatic glee. 
But I remember well, My Bride, 

For heaven that hour had sent, 
Each spirit door was opened more 

And in each farther went. 

She grew three years before our eyes, 

Our hope and joy and pride; 
The sun was blotted from the skies 

When she lay down and died. 
The world was all a dragon den 

And life was blind with tears; 
But married true with passion new 

Were we as now appears. 

The Fatherhood with gifts of grace 

Purged our idolatry, 
And like the Isaac in his place 

Slayed each and made us free. 
With God supreme within the heart 

But each still more divine. 
We live in love from heaven above 

That cannot know decline. 

Life now is like a snow crowned priest 

In golden raiment bright; 
He stands each morning in the east 

And doth us new unite. 
And as tJie golden hour comes round 

That joined us into one, 
Vast tides of glad exultant sound 

Upon our spirits run. 

As here upon this earthly shore. 

There in eternity. 
While being's st-^.^ry course we soar 

New married may we be! 

63 



still more and more to each, Oh give! 

Still more from each, Oh take! 
Oh life an:l love forever live! 

Forever one lis make! 



THE WIFE'S COMMANDMENTS, 

A woman thou shalt be! 

This law of law-i Oh scan! 
On it all worlds of woman hang 

And half the worlds of man. 

Thou Shalt stand up 

Shalt see and think 
The world of life 

Nor from it shrink. 
The truth is best, 

The false is curse; 
Stand up and front 

The universe. 

Oh live in the virtues that life alone feeds. 
In noblest thoughts that the bosom rich breeds, 
In feelings the purest the thinkings can give. 
In motives unselfish forever Oh live! 

Love me with love supremest 

Above all other men. 
The powers that in me teeniest 

Thy law to them I pen. 
When I grow undeserving 

That instant be thou free. 
Love grows on love and swerving 

Where higher virtues be. 

This law of married life. Oh scan! 

Help me to be a noble man. 

I have the gifts and hope to be, 

Soul thoughtful, generous, large and free 

But where I toil and battle life 

Is mad disease and murdor strife. 

I need thy help. Behold the plan! 

Make it thy law to make a man. 

A mother thou shalt be 

And wear a woman's glory! 

64 



The lovers and their child 

Is life's divinest story; 
It lifts and squares and cubes 

Both spirits and their powers. 
And leads to fellowship 

The Soul upon the towers. 

Artist be thou of the home 
Making it more great than Rome, 
Richer far than gold from Nome. 
Home is woman's sphere of right. 
Where an angel sweet and bright 
She is glory and delight. 
Home to man is virtue true, 
Armors him each day anew. 
Such as life delights to view. 
Home unto the world is hope; 
'Tis the farthest up the slope; 
Here the heav'ns freely ope. 
How e'er far we mortals roam 
We find naught beneath the dome 
Like the "Artist of the Home." 

Love must pass through the dark and descend to the deep, 
Sit alone in the silence and bitterness r^ap; 
Shed the tears that are life, find the peace of the wise 
And thus she shall grow to the azure blue skies. 

Be a friend 

Of thyself. 
Of thy kind 

Mindless wealth. 
To the poor. 

Books that pole. 
Beauty, Music 

And the Soul. 

Forget now the laws 

Both below and above! 
Let life have its roots 

In the fulness of love: 
For hearts that love hearts 

With no self-seeking pine 
Find others, themselves 

And the heart most divine. 



65 



THE BEST BABY. 

Oh what a sweet celestial birth! 

Oh what a babe divine! 
Oh what a lovers' blossomed mirth 

To fill their hearts with wine! 
Such holy face and light within 

Outbursting in a smile; 
And brow with purity from sin 

Or faintest trace of guile; 
Such eyes of soft divinest power 

For God is in their gaze; 
And lips more dear and sweet, than flower 

Or music-song can praise; 
Such pansy-velvet flushing cheek; 

Soft hands and dimpled chin ; 
Oh ye for joy no more may seek 

For all joys here ve win ! 
On afternoons in summer hours 

My heart knows where to stray; 
I see the nurses with love s flowers 

Light up life's shadowed way. 
Though gazing in each baby face 

I took each part divine, 
United them with perfect grace 

It ne'er could match Avith thine. 
In dreams I've seen a baby bright 

And called it, "Mine! Oh mine!" 
As dreams fly far when hope takes flight 

The baby best is thine. 

"Oh Mr. Nimmo! My young heart 

Leaps up with rainbow light; 
From each sweet golden drop doth start 

New joys toward heaven bright. 
Within my ,soul sweet angels sing 

Almost delirious mirth; 
Such echoes dear around me ring 

As drowns the noise of earth. 
I knew your words would greet my song; 

The pure unselfish youth 
By instinct high is far from wrong 

And utters only truth. 
I sing to friends, to strangers call; 

'This is the world's best birth,' 
And to compare I cha-lenge all 

For beauty, joy and worth. 
'Tis so; no cloud my heart can doubt; 

66 



With other babes set mine. 
And every eye will single out 

A babe as bright as thine. 
But hold! Have I not heard you sing 

With baby in your Dreast, 
And as you soared on joyous wing 

Oft echoed back: 'Best! Best!' 
When your own Tom and sister Mary 

Returned home to be ble.ssei^, 
The elfish boy and fragile fairy 

You praised and called each best. 
Of every babe you say the same; 

Oh! May not your heart of youth 
Be shadowed by a mother's blame; 

Now tell the honest truth." 



Calm, calm thy jealous heart, my child! 

Let love be large, divine! 
A mother's heart I ne'er beguiled, 

The baby best is thine. 
For babies are like springtime's birth. 

Or golden summer light; 
Or those ripe joys of autumn's mirth, 

Or winter's starry night; 
Like clouds of richest sunset ray, 

Or rainbows round ihe storm; 
Or plumed throats' enraptured lay. 

Or flowers with hearts most warm; 
Like silver moons in limped lakes. 

Or music round the sea; 
Or light from maiden brow that breaks, 

Or stories of the free; 
Like beauty in her flushing joy, 

And all things most divine; 
Like all whose presence calms annoy, 

Whose absence makes us pine; 
These souls possess a magic dower. 

And each and all are blest; 
When held within each charming power 

The last one is the best. 



67 



THINE EYES. 

Rich memories dear doth descend tonight, 

My Girl, 
I'm free from the years and the powers that blight. 

My Pearl. 
I am young again, in the land of dreams, 
'Neath the golden morn, where the fountain streams 
And the hopes of life in my being teemg, 

My Girl. 



I recall the night that I met thee first, . 

My Girl. 
Something pierced my heart and my spirit nursed. 

My Pearl. 
For the dream of dreams that was high designed 
On my heart's highway did appear enshrined, 
And I leaped to life at the royal find, 

My Girl. 

Your hair was as rich as a crown of gold, 

My Girl, 
And your face more fair than the flowers unfold. 

My Pearl. 
The rich rose of life on your cheeks did rest. 
There were angel tones on your lips so blest. 
And electric thrills when your hand I pressed, 
My Girl. 

But your eyes, your eyes, they were full of power, 

My Girl, 
As if fed with light and divine endower. 

My Pearl. 
They were deep and clear, rich and calm and wise. 
Like the stars that shine in the jeweled skies 
And diviner lights on our vision rise. 

My Girl. 

There was love and truth, faith and prayer and peace. 

My Girl. 
That the heav'ns and gods can alone release. 

My Pearl. 
An infinite trust, a divine repose. 
And a something pure that forever goes, 
From a godlike soul to its earthly foes. 

My Girl. 

68 



"Twas a vital spell that thev cast on me. 

My Girl, 
For they found within an eternity, 

My Pearl. 
I was born anew and they gave me dreams, 
Fed the strangest thoughts, spread out courtal schemes 
And the fountain broke that with passion teems, 

My Girl. 

I was drawn and stayed by thv lovely eves. 

My Girl, 
And despair as hope did as often rise, 

My Pearl. 
I was common born, had been written down. 
Was untaught in books, but a boor and clown. 
And all but thine eyes did upon me frown, 

My Girl. 

Oh thine eyes, thine eyes, thev were far too pure, 

My Girl, 
Than we mortals born from the sense endure, 

My Pearl. 
They pierced my deep and did their reveal. 
What the senses are and must dark conceal 
With this masquerade that doih veil the real, 

My Girl. 

ThougJi I loved thee strong I was long delayed. 

My Girl, 
"Wilt thou be my wife?" I wis sore afraid. 

My Pearl. 
That when after wed and each better known 
That thy purer soul and thy finer tone 
Would discover flaw and mv strength disown, 

My Girl. 

So I long delayed till that sudden pall, 

My Girl, 
Like a winter night on thy str<3iigth did fall, 

My Pearl. 
Then I breathed my hope to thy happy cries. 
But the gladness strong broke thy mortal ties 
And my heart thrice broke as they closed thine eyes, 
My Girl. 

I was wild with grief, was as blind with tears, 

My Girl; 
Bowed and bowed and bent and was lost for years. 

My Pearl. 

69 



Then the only peace to my soul distressed 
Was the hour of dreams when a seraph guest 
Rose upon my eyes with thine eyes so blest. 
My Girl. 

They are shining yet and are shining bright. 

My Girl, 
Two eternal stars in my starless night. 

My Pearl. 
They are fountains pure of divinest fire 
And their sparks so quick in my heart inspire 
Both' the faith and hope of love's high desire, 

My Girl. 

Down the flowerless road to the grave I go, 

My Girl, 
But a hope beams bright as che lamp burns low, 

My Pearl. 
Shall I meet thee there? Shall thy shining eyes 
To my bosom come in eternal ties 
Of the life and love of the azure skies, 

My Girl? 



KISSING BABIES. 

Swift sunbeams kls,s the falling showers 

And into rainbows flow; 
Bright rainbows kissing fainting flowers 

To souls divinest grow. 
Sweet flowers that kiss the gentle breeze 

Become swift winged sprites: 
Soft zephyrs kissing summer trees, 

A harp of rich delights. 
Rich music on the broken heart 

Becomes the angel hope; 
And hope's warm kisses souls will start 

And bear up life's steep slope. 
All things In kissing lips of love 

Or hearts of purest fire 
Or aught incarnate from above 

Change into something higher. 
So I whose joy it is to live 

With flowers, birds and sky, 
Will bless this hint my sisters give 

My ,soul to glorify. 

70 



From dewy lips I ne'er refrain, 

Sweet babies least of all; 
On them my kisses like spring rain 

Most lovingly do fall. 
Each new-born joy I ever kiss 

On cheek and brow and chin; 
And o'er and o'er, and never miss 

The lips so free from sin. 
I kiss with fingers, voice and eye, 

With heart's fondest caress. 
With fancies, hopes and prayers and sigh, 

With blessing glad to bless. 
And oft when cradled or in arms 

I kiss them in my tears, 
And oft with sorrows, oft with charms. 

And oft with tender fears. 
I kiss them in the morning light 

And mider noonday's beam, 
In the dim gloaming of the night 

And in the hour of dream. 
When wide awake with smiling face, 

Could love refrain from this? 
Embalmed in dreams the angel grace 

Seems smiling for a kiss. 
I kiss them all, rich, poor, dull, bright, 

Each new-born joy of time. 
The yellow, red, the black, the white. 

For color is not crime. 
All rainbow flowers some portion bear, 

Some beauty of the sun; 
In all new hearts I find most fair 

The universal one. 

In doing this I find a bliss, 

A pleasure most intense; 
I ask no other joy than this 

To thaw my frozen sense. 
Sweet streams of pure emotion deep 

Rise fountaining my heart 
Like some divinest lotion sweet, 

A balm upon my smart. 
Its life revives the withered flowers 

And hopes the young heart knows 
Arise again, and their strong powers 

A dream world round me throws. 
Such thought and fancy, dream and vision, 

Inspire the baby's kiss, 
I feel in some bright land elysian, 

A home of love and bliss. 

71 



We kiss at curfew's golden toll: 

Oh then the joyful sound! 
As if seme great harmonious soul 

Both beings doth surround, 
And feels o'er me as I o'er this 

The heart with rapture bound, 
Or sends through my poor soul his bliss 

O'er joy so newly found. 
All rapture sounds of heaven and earth. 

All golden sights that be, 
All family joys at infant's birth. 

All fatherhood's bright glee. 
The full delirious madness 

Of opening motherhood, 
I faintly share their gladness 

And find it does me good. 
All sympathy with father, mother. 

All love to baby free, 
Lifts up the soul as love the lover 

To strength and purity. 
An act, a heart-beat or a thought 

With pure unselfish glow. 
Within our hearts has nobly wrought 

And glorified the low. 

Oh where within the dome above 

Can purer heart be found? 
Or where for hungry lips of love 

Is such a heart unbound? 
Life's cold and selfish winter breath 

Doth chill the glowing lip; 
Heart icicles of spirit death 

But seldom thaw and drip. 
Then should not I mid winter's snow 

Kiss lips of new-born bliss, 
And with the warmth of their sweet glow- 
Dissolve the ice of this? 
When spring and summer's glowing heart 

Kiss mine with fervent bliss, 
And leave of their pure souls a part 

I feel impelled to this. 
The heart of trees and birds and flowers. 

Oh! who has ever missed 
To pass within their mother's bowers 

And curtained them not kissed? 
Then why not this incarnate joy? 

Why not love's latest lips? 
Why not this soul without alloy? 

This light from death's eclipse? 

72 



The life of trees is budding here, 

And bird-heart music rings; 
The perfumed flowers of summer dear 

Through this their fragrance flings. 
When God's own angels bit by blight 

In kissing cradled one, 
Can feed their lamps in darkest night 

To brightness of the sun, 
How strange one weary of his night 

Should kiss the lips of love, 
And doing this should win a light 

And, image from above? , 
Is not a babe God's bosom birth 

First born in his own love? 
And is it not with hands of mirth 
; To us loaned from abo^e? 
Shall being warm v/ith God's own life, 
' A mirror for his smne, ;^ 

Be not a light in mortal strife 

And lead me out of wile? 
So this pure heart doth ever start 

A joy that does eclipse 
With golden light the shadow night 

That follows after slips. 

Such crystal life of purity 

Is gathered to their lips, 
I trust that all futuri-y 

Will hav^e life's tender slips. 
In other worlds as now in this, 

May infant hearts be borni 
And may my soul enjoy the kiss 

Of life pure ;is the morn. 
May this low heart in wand'ring far. 

Both here and hence I go. 
Kiss babes, in climbing star to star 

And thus to manhood grew! 



. THE WHITE SLAVE'S MOAN. 

I am broken, heartless, bleeding; 

Lost and stained and all alone; 
Want, c'^sgrace and death are feeding 

To my heart what none have known. 
But my soul is aching, aching, 
For -ny i::.cther"s heart that's breaking. 



73 



Oh ^^y mother! Oh my mother! 

Thou didst love me like a fire. 
In Ihy lo&om I did smother, 

Folded in with strong desire. 
I hear t.hy prayers, I see thee weeping 
And thy love still on me heaping. 

Thou didst never in thy dreaming 
Dream of this and me in here; 

All the vision on thee gleaming 
Was a virgin spirit dear. 

May old Nature solace send thee 

Stay thy heart ond strong befriend thee! 

Man and nature, God and heaven, 

Never, never, never tell 
Hov/ through night and tears and levin 

I have fallen down to helll 
Heap upon me more disaster 
But my secret hold still faster! 

Kindest dreams kindness bestowing. 

Ever visit her in sleep; 
One like snow, in virtue growing 

Still before her vision keep. 
This is all my heart is wailing 
As the light of life is failing. 



THE ELEMENT OF LIFE. 

When I was one and twenty 

I fell most deep in love. 
I feel as falls a sadness 
In golden seas of gladness 
From heaven high above. 

When I was one and thirty 

So rich did love abound 
Life's vernal flinging fountains, 
And beauty from the mountains 
Did gird us round and round 

When I was one and forty 

By suff'ring soul was crossed. 
By blinded, blinded sorrow, 
But life from love did borrow 
Far more than we had lost. 



74 



When 1 was one and fifty- 
Love so divine had grown 
Our spirits and their passions 
Were gowned in roj al fashions 
And mounting to a throne. 

Now I am over sixty 

And deeper still in love. 
We're rising two immortals 
And life is bnt the portals 
To heaven bright above. 



BECAUSE, MY DEAR, IT'S YOU. 

Oh listen now, Beloved wife! 

Anew my harp I string; 
Oh thou art my life of life 

Another song I'll sing! 
Another' song for earth's annoy 

My spirit doth impart: 
Oh crimson love! Oh turtle dove! 

Now listen at your heart. 

When on the summer's golden street 

I meet a maid divine. 
Whose spirits pure and glad and sweet 

Doth through her body shine; 
White crystal soul and liquid voice, 

Soft eyes and youth's endew, 
I see and meet her with rejoice, 

Because, My Dear, it's you. 

My eagle eye where e'er she be 

Knows when her love awakes; 
When worlds like sunrise on the sea 

Within her bosom breaks. 
The gladness which the dreams above 

Can never know or near, 
I hail with joy and share her love. 

Because, it's you. My Dear. 

And when one leads her up the aisle 
With orange blossoms crowned; 

When more than summer heavens smile 
And more than raptures bound; 

75 



When granite strength and tenderness 

Are joined forever true, 
The bride, the bride thy heart can guess 

Because, My Dear, it's you. 

When then they form a little home, 

A paradise divine. 
And round the queen from yonder dome^ 

Soft angel hearts entwine;- 
For these who'd wish a world's domain 
' Though blessed without a tear? 
I'd barter such and count it gain 
- For you and them, My Dear. 

When e'er I hear a kingly man . .' 

. Sing praises of his wife, 
Extol the Planner" and the plan 

That joined her to his life. 
Such thought, and feeling fill the pause 

Of life "with music new; 
I echo long the loud applause, 
■ Because, My Dear, it's you. 

And when the poet from his mind ; 

A form divine creates 
With every virtue rich entwined 

That sorrow contempates,' 
I gaze upon the matchless grace 

And bless him saint and seer 
Then quick my soul doth her embrace 

Because it's you, My Dear. 

When high before the throne of light 

Vast 'spirits I behold, 
Arrayed in royal jiurple bright ' 

Or crimson, white or gold; 
From seraph ranks or beav'n's bride. 

Whose' splendors blind the view, 
I choose the one just at my side 

Because, My Dear, it's you. 

In heaven and earth, through space pr time 

Of all eternity, 
While being's stai"ry goal I clitob 

I still will dream of thee. 
When mounting up the golden streets 

Of each discovered sphere,' * 
The best belovisd my spirit greets 

It will be you. My Dear. 

76 



THE BREAD OF LIFE. 

Oh Living Bread! Oh Living Bread! 

From rhee all beings pure are fed. 
All live from Thy heart's rich bestow 

Tm full desire and overflow.'" 

The angels round thy burning throne 
No other bread have ever known: 

They feed from Thee and so they grow 
Like to Thyself in fervent glow. 

The saints redf^eined from self and sin 
Live by Thy presence deep within; 

teeneath the flesh, within the heart, 
The bread of life to them Thou art. 

*l'hou finer art than most fine wheat; 

Than honey from the rock more sweet; 
t'leer than Sabbath manna fell. 

And vital more than life can tell. 

Thou, Thou Thyself, art living bread! 

Thou/ not Thy gifts our lives have fed! 
Withhold Thy gifts. Thyself oh give! 

And still wrth boundless life we live. 

Oh Living Bread! Oh Living Bread: 
Thou still wilt feed as Thou hast fed. 

'Tis all Thy glory free to give 

The bread of life by which we live. 



THE WANDERER'S UNREST. 

I wish I were a boy again 

With mother close beside; 
With heaven's lore unlearnt by men. 

To in her full confide. 
Her heart was deep and most divine, 

Its music sweet to me; 
Her love encircled all of mine 

As islands doth the sea. 
In summer cool, in winter warm. 

Or what my heed each day; 
A si. elter In the starless storm, 

A shadow by the way. 

77 



A kiss upon my wounded heart, 

A touch with healing deep, 
A word, a look of magic art, 

A. prayer upon my sleep. 
My heart could whisper in her ear 

At morning, noon or night, 
Could tell its all, and never fear 

That love the least would slight. 
I have no heart to trust today. 

No heart to let me in; 
Tliey bolt the doors and out 1 stay. 

Out in a world, of sin. 
Not one to hear, not one to heed, 

Not one to speak or weep. 
So thought with sorrow's hungry greed 

Upon my soul doth leap. 
Oi't night and day and day and night; 

Be wed with the weight of life 
I wish the grave would quench the light, 

Death stagger on my strife. 
Yes! "Men are strong!" But men are weak; 

Life humbles in the dust; 
The strongest need and often seek 

The heart that heart has trust. 
B'or years I have not felt a heart 

Nor to a heart have spoke, 
Since from those years I did depart 

Mj strength has often broke. 
Oh could I find the resting heart 

From sin and self and fear, 
All that I have, can do and art, 

I'd pay most instant here! 
I wish T were a boy again; 

Where ever I may roam, 
I pine and pine when on my ken 

Comes mother, rest and home. 



THE CURE. 

He was just a nervous wreck; 
Just an insane thing on deck; 
Full of worry, fret and bawl 
When his temper took a fall; 
For the factory and the swink 
He could neither see nor think 
To his family, world and plan 
Wreck and shadow of a man. 



78 



Saia the Doctor: "I will give 

Just six months for you to live." 

Then he stormed and raved and swore 

Till he fell upon the floor. 

As his little family wept 

Grief and loss made wife adept 

In the thinking out a dream 

Tj defeat the Doctor's scheme. 

First the latest Dodge she bought 
With pin money hoarded taut. 
Then took lessons on the sly 
Till with chauffeurs she could vie. 
Then the grouch did sweet invite 
To a ride around the night, 
But he raved and stormed and tore 
And divorce upon her swore. 

**I am ruined I Such a cost 
Is a crushing on me tossed I" 
But when fit outran its right 
They went spinning round the night. 
He came home and went to bed 
And old nature so him fed 
That he woke up with the clock 
Feeling like a fighting cock. 

Now the factory and the swink 
Goes along as he doth think. 
He and all of his doth thrive 
Since his wife taught him to drive. 
See that Dodge that he doth swing! 
He is balanced like a king. 
He has found the fount of life 
And is armored against strife. 



THE DEPARTED. 

Oh Maid, Beloved Maiden! 

Oh Spirit most divine! 
Oh heart within the Aiden, 

For thee I ever pine. 
Since thou hast far departed 

And left me here alone 
I have been broken hearted 

And would be with a throne. 



79 



1 pine and vveei- in sorrow, 

"I suffer and would feign 
Ffon' all around nie borrow 

Some balsam for my pain, 
Put what chalice from the fcuntain 

Revives the dying breath! 
V/ hat hope when o'er the mountain 

Oui love has gone with death! . 

The highest hopes of mortals 

AVere gathered up in thee. 
The 'future's" golden'/.portals 

Were bright as bright could be; 
Th<^ joys the most divinest 

That ever iilled the heait, ... 
'Were in thine own enshrinest 

'And all did rich impart, 

Thy spirit pure and stainless 

Did cleanse me \yhite as: snow; 
I thee secure and chalnless 

I thought to ever grow, 
■Thy love within me burning. 

Did circle round like fire. 
And kindled daily yearning , \ 

To all of high desire. 

Thy countenance and fashion 
' Ideals did inspire, 
And fed thera with the passion 

Of pure celestial fire, 
rin thee was all the beauty i 

For which we mortals thirst 
When love inspirits duty 
And into actions burst. 

But now these hopes have vanished, 

Thoge joys forever dead, 
Tlie love in exile banished. 

Ideals far have fled. 
The morning has no glory, 

The springtime has no light, 
The poet has no story, 

All is night, the blackest night. 

A3 the brightest meteor splendor 
Dies in a swift eclipse, 

80 



So died life's young attender, 

On thy cold icy lips. 
The> died when then I kissed thee, 

Thou soul out of my soul, 
And since the hour I missed thee 

The night doth round me roll. 

They spread for thee the pillow; 

They covered thee with mould; 
The murmuring- weeping willow 

New sorrow will unfold. 
But thy grave it is not yonder 

Where tears the flowers start; 
Wherever I may wander 

Thy grave is in my heart. 

This heart it :s the sorest 

Of stream or wind or trees, 
Of all that in the forest 

In sighing seeks foi- ease. 
Though sweetest flowers bound it 

And birds their music fling, 
The memories that surround it 

Can nought but sorrow sing. 

Oh I would love thee. Maiden, 

While time and tide shall run, 
While in thy spirit's Aiden 

Shall shine on thee the sun; 
And when its golden splendor 

Will fade and die away. 
Thy memory would be tender 

And green as is today. 

Thee would I love as fountains 

Soft silver tinkling sounds; 
As splintered granite mountains 

The peace that them surrounds; 
As soundless, soundless oceans 

The azure purity; 
And as the best devotions 

Of man eternity. 

But since thou hast departed 
The strength of life has fled; 

My hope is broken hearted 
And bled and bled and bled. 

81 



I cannot follow after, 

Nor dream or dare or do, 
When weakness mocks with laughter 

All effort to be true. 

Farewell, Beloved Maiden! 

Farewell, Spirit divine! 
Though sin and sorrow laden 

I would not burden thine. 
Farewell, Beloved Maiden! 

Oh soul out of my soul! 
Go on within thy Aiden 

Though the storms around me roll! 



SLEEP BELOVED! 

Lie down, lie down. Beloved, lie down! 

Long, fierce and hot the noon 
His fever heat on thee has beat 

And wearied thee full soon. 
Thy fragile strength was not for strife 

Oi clinibing cliffs that frown; 
Only for joy and gentle life. 
Lie down, Beloved, lie down! 
Lie down, Beloved, lie down 

In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep, 
Her spirit bathe with balm! 

I-ie down, my true Beloved, lie down! 

The day lies down to rest; 
Evening and twilight westward creep, 

Night deepens on his breast. 
The hosts of strength and toil and grief 

No more their senses keep; 
Like and unlike, Oh drink relief! 
Sleep, sleep, Beloved, Oh sleep! 
Sleep, sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep, 
Her spirit bathe with balm! 

Sleep, sleep, my pure Beloved, Oh sleep! 

On swift though silent wing 
Soft seraphs from the starry steep 

Descend and to . thee sing. 

82 



Tlieir music is a life divine, 

It dotli thy being steep. 
Song: bears tliee up and sad eailli's tine 
Is lost in blessed sleep. 

Sleep, sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep, 
Her spirit bathe with balm! 

Sleep, sleep, my thrice Beloved, Oh sleep! 

Thy heart be fed Vk^ith dreams! 
Across thy spirit's eyelids creep 

Soft forms in softer gleams! 
Angels of hope and joy and love, 

Ob dreams that never weep! 
Ye feed witii visions from above 
This rich celeftial sleep. 

Sleep, sleep. Beloved, Oh sleep 
In peace and rest and calm! 
Oh healthful sleep. Oh slumber deep. 
Her spirit bathe with bairn! 

Sleep, sleep. Divine Beloved, Oh sleep! 

Soft, pure and rich and sweet 
The golden fountains of the deep 

Into thy bosom beat. 
Then when the morning splendors bright 

Shall out of darkness break 
Thy lover with a keen delight 
Shall cry: "Awake! Awake!" 
Awake, Beloved, awake! 

The morn unto thee cries; 
Now both of us new life shall take 
And both divine arise. 



IDEAL KISSES. 

Kisses, kisses, ideal kisses 
Of an ideal love and blisses! 
Who has never felt the burning 
Of the dream, desire and yearning? 
'TJs the search of life supernal 
And all hopes divine and vernal': 
'Tis the light that gleams and dances 
On the classic love romances; 

83 



'Tfs the hunger of all mortals 
Vvhile between the earthly portals; 
The> are no^^ the mcment's story 
As oi life they are the glory. 

Two great spirits rich and rarest. 
Deep, divine and pure and fairest 
Never yet was man more piimer. 
Princely, ripened and sublimer; 
Never yet was woman queener. 
Courtly, gracious and serener; 
Like two spirits virtues folden 
In a sunlight glory golden; 
Two rich giohes divine in fashion, 
More divine in life and paL-sicn; 
Who can dream the courtship ulisses 
Leading up unto their kisses? 

In the morning now advancing 
With the splendors round them dancing; 
On the noonday plain nov/ standing, 
Kand to hand each other handing; 
In the evening soft and sweetest. 
Now each other gladly greetest; 
In the moonlight soft and tender 
Granite strength and beauty slender 
Arm in arm are slowly walking 
And in angel tones are talking; 
From their eyes a language passes 
Spirii but to spirit glasses. 

Close thine eyes, thou vixen boldest, 
Thus to look as each enfoldest! 
Lip to lip is pressing, pressing. 
Eye to eye hunger confessing; 
Heart to heart is madly burning 
With an infinite like yearning; 
Soul to soul is passioned glowing 
Like a furnace white and flowing, 
And the arms each other folden 
Hold, a globe divine and golden, 
While such passion round it tighten 
As their very selves do frighten. 

Now the two no more are single 
Each doth with the other mingle. 
All each fulness now is freeing 
In the other's hungry being. 

84 



Now between them swift are flowing 
Currents of the whitest glowing; 
Nov within each breast is rising, 
Raptures that are both surprising. 
Passion swelling, surging, sweeping 
Up and down, and through is leaping. 
So divine their boundless blisses 
They are weeping in their kisses. 

This is just the kiss of heaven 
With no earth alloy or leaven; 
Just the kiss of song and story 
Famous robed and crowned with glory; 
Just the kiss of wise selection, 
T.ifted up to r.^pe perfection; 
Just the kiss super-celestial 
Of our being at its festal; 
Just fhe kiss of love most primest 
On the plane and height ^ublimest; 
Just the kiss for which life sighest, 
And with hunger ever eyest. 

What these spirits now are drinking 
Fathoms neither sense nor thinking; 
They are drinking from earth's fo-mtain, 
From high heaven's highest mountain, 
Fj'om the spacial starry oceans. 
Cosmic life and world emotions; 
Drinking whai immortals nourish, 
Draughts by which the angels flourish; 
Drink the old gods love and cherish, 
Tha^ renews them when they perish: 
Life is in these boundless blisses. 
Love has stored her life hi kisses. 

This is lust the kiss of dreamers; 
Ask the high romantic schemers; 
Ask rich poets when divinest 
And the wine and fire are rmest; 
Ask musicians when the singing 
Sudden bursts with mighty ringing; 
Ask great artists when the story 
Br:ists into its purple glory; 
Ask the lovers when the rapture 
Doth the spirit sudden capture; 
None of common mortals measure 
Yvhat these kisses can entreasure. 

85 



How they linger on these kisses, 
Feeding full upon their blisses! 
Still they draw out of their sources, 
Rapture, fervor, fire and forces; 
They immortal make a minute, 
Stretch it out and all that's in it; 
E'en the movies they are shaming, 
By the time that they are claiming; 
Hao there been a life time fasting 
That the zest so long is lasting? 
Is there naught that can them sever? 
Will these kisses last forever? 

Tell me, tell me, all ye mortals, 
Seeking life oetween these portals. 
Seeking life but ever finding. 
Sorrow, loss and tears and blinding; 
Greybeards, matrons, masters, misses. 
Would ye share these ideal "liisses? 
Live in love and love still cherish; 
Let the selfish in thee perish; 
To the heart that is thy treasure, 
Give Oh give with boundless measure! 
Thus: through common kindly blisses. 
Climb unto these ideal kisses. 



"THE KID." 

Wliat blister burns upon my tongue! 

What weight upon my pen! 
What discord in my ear is flung! 

What blot upon my ken! 
What silence, grief and secret thought 
Is deep within my spirit wrought. 
When this dark word 
So often heard 
The passions of my breast have stirred; 

A name just picked up off the street 

Or gathered from the wild, 
Where never traveled woman's feet 

And men are most defiled, 
A name imported from the beast 
Or from the human at its least, 
Is for the birth 
That comes to earth 
The nursling of immortal worth. 

86 



A rame that never had a heart, 

A conscience or a mind, 
Tlat never knew or had a part 

With high celestial kind; 

A name without a God divine 

Or human nature's faintest sign 

Is for the birth, 

The hope of earth 

With God's own life and power and worth. 

A name with poison in its sound 

For parents and for child; 
A canker for all spirits round, 

High spirits here beguiled; 
A name with swift, contagious lust 
T ) drag all life into the dust 
Is now the sign 
That parents twine 
Around God's gift the most divine. 

Is there a mother in the land 

With mother's holy heart. 
With mother passion, mother hand 

And every mother part, 
CeulcT ever think or dream or dare 
Her mother nature to foreswear. 
And so disgrace 
Her heart's embrace 
As utter this upon its face? 

Yet numbers of our womenkind 
Though mothers, mothers not, 
In heart and mind both deaf and blind 

And flecked with many a spot. 
In idleness and vanity 
And thoughtless as insanity 
This beastly name 
All heart's disclaim 
They brand on theirs without a shame. 

Is there a father in the land, 
God's image on the earth, 
A^'ould dare to hear that foulest brand 

Baptized upon his birth? 
Though often heard where he may roam 
'Tis never heard within his home. 
For flashing eyes 
Whence lightning flies 
Would kill the sound with swift surprise. 

87 



Yot men tar more than women-kind 

Ar€ parents less than they, 
Though to anfolding heart and mind 

A god, a god alway. 
That poisoned, cankered, leper sound 
Thej pour upon the children round; 
How can they grow 
From such below 
Up to the mountain height of snow! 

Oh baby, baby, baby dear 

With mother most divine! 
Whose fatlier is a princely peer 

And virtues from him shine. 

No other names but love can be 

Around thy cradle uttered free. 

All names of mirth, 

All names of worth 

Dotli guardian round thy mortal birth. 

"My joy!" "My hope!" "My darling child!" 

"My daughter!" or "My son!!" 
My "Violet!" "Tommy!" or the mild 

Nicknames of love and fun. 
Are dear to Ihem and dearer grow 
As spring doth into autumn flow. 
If such a sound 
Is uttered round 
High heav'n again has full unbound. 

Oh may the Life of life redeem 

The parents and the child! 
May thought and love their virtues stream 

And all grow undefiled! 
The father new his birth baptize! 
Th3 child unto his best shall rise! 
'Twill help to grow 
From all below 
Up to the hea.t that feeds all glow. 

Oh Love that lirst l)uilt up :he home! 

It is the nation's hope; 
It is the best beneath the dome 

And farthest up the slope; 
Bat all surround it selfish sense 
With natures strong, dark and intense; 
Thy bolts of fire 
With fierce desire 
B'3 guardian angels in their ire. 

88 



AnO every canker, blight and ill 

Against the nome and child, 
Oh may they smite and smite to kill 

All curse that has defiled! 
All thought and love and joy md hope 
And all that lifts life up the slope 
May they detend 
And be the fiiend 
That makes the hemp earth's -loblest end. 



*THE GOOD NIGHT KISS. 

'Twas the height and full crest of a banquet and feast. 

Of wine, music, beauty and revels, 
For the spirit of youth was relaxed and released 

P^rom virtue and life's nigher levels. 
There was one in his strength kept his spirit and poise 
In spite of upbraiding and challenge and noise 

To drink of the cup that was ruddy, 
For his clearer mind saw in his soberer light, 
Though their voic:es were glad and their eyos flashing bright, 

The mind and the soul growing muddy. 

"Oh come on! Join the crowd! Have a drink wi^h the boys! 

Our friendship will never be broken! 
We were kids at the school, at the college had joys. 

Give memory a trifling token!" 
"Drink it down! It is joy! In the cup we '-ill pledge 
That we all will unite 'gainst the hammer and wedge 

Life drives between friends at all seasons." 
"Well, Old Chump, like a sport with the vein of a saint, 
We will pause in our course and will hear your complaint; 

If you can't take a drink give us reasons." 

"I will tell thee a tale if ye hark to me now, 

A tale to this revel a stranger. 
By the speech of the hour and the light on the brow 

My friends I can see are in danger. 
From a friend to a friend should be friendship and truth 
With the generous heart and the virtues of youth, 

A friend is the best of ill lovers. 
I will speak to the heart and a story relate 
That may speak to my friends like a message of fate 

With truth that the spirit recovers." 

*The essential experience of an acquaintance. 



"From the day I was born was a brand on my name, 

My father the curse did entangle. 
Both the physical strength and the spirit of shame 

Were stilled by the demons that strangle. 
On the bounding young life when the fountains are full. 
When released from the past and the future did pull 

A cloud o'er the glory oft darted, 
For a memory dark on my vision would stream 
Till I flush and I flamed and I wished it were a dream, 

The nameless yet clinging departed." 

"There was one that was left; she was more than the two; 

With prayer, wisdom, counsel and honor 
That this boy might be man and be sober and true 

Was burden and burden upon her. 
As a boy I was blind. As a man I can see 
That she slaved for our bread and to educate me 

She poured out her life like a river. 
Both the flowers in the field and the lights in the skies 
And the perfumes divine and the beauties that rise 
Should crown and encircle that giver." 

"When tonight I go home ere I mount up the stair 

A call I shall hear from my mother. 
I shall go and bend down o'er the white growing hair 

And kiss a "Good Night" to each other. 
This is always the way. She is now wide awake! 
She will keep the .long watch till the morning doth break 

As shadows and fear round her darken. 
She will hear the low sot as he staggers his way 
And a prayer will arise to the god of the day 

As she dreams of her son and doth barken." 

"Thought it seems just the course of the parent and youth 

I cannot help thinking and thinking, 
It is just mother's way to be sure of the truth, 

I have not yet started to drinking. 
I have got to kis? mother tonight ere I rest, 
As a smell of a drink would be death to her breast 

I still will be son to my mother. 
I have told you my tale and the truth in the song. 
May it justify me and thee armor most strong 

And bind us as friends to each other!" 

With the strength of a giant that only can lift 
What falls from the height of the summit, 

Both the tone and the truih in the hearts of the youth 
Went deeps yet unsounded by plummet. 

90 



"Thou hast cut to the quick!" they all answered and flashed 
And the wine brimming cups into fragments were dashed. 

"Thou hast been to each heart as a brother. 
Let us all clasp cur hands ! Let us sing a new son? 
In a brotherhood large that will bind us most strong, 

And henceforth be sons to each molber:" 



THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER 
No. 4 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

Oh raise it o'er the home! 
And raise it with the '-pirit 

That marched in conqu'ring Rome! 
As freedom feedeth m-mhood 

Oh lift it to the dome! 
The Stars and Stripes are glory 
And far outvalue Nome 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

Within che sacred shrine, 
Besides the holy altars. 

Oh raise her up divine! 
Give ample place and honor, 

And shout with all the free: 
"The Stars and Stripes forever 
For home and mine and me!" 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

Oh teach it to the young! 
There's virtue in her bosom 

For head and heart and tongue. 
She's grandeur, grace and glory 

And passioned song ir sung 
That fits the noblest measures 
Around the altar sprung 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

On life's first opened eyes 
Lift her on the pa-i,sions v/iiite 

As glory life should prize! 
She's sacrifice and honor 
And glory to the free: 
"The Stars and Stripes Forever 
For home and mine and nie!" 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 
Upon each sacred day 

91 



The children like the father's 

Most beautiful array. 
Oh kindle bright the embers! 
Old Glory let them sway! 
The nation's story singing, 
Send, send them on their way ! 
The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

That bosom full unfold. 
Her hopes and dreams and mem'ries 

Upon their eyas be rolled! 
And all together sing the song 

The day sings to the free: 
"The Stars and Stripes Forever 
For home and mine and me!" 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 

As up they mount the spheres, 
Ope thou again the bosom 
The growing soul revers! 
Old Glory is a banner 

Life bathed in blooi and tears. 
The more with her enamored \ 

We triumph over fears. 

The Stars and Stripes Forever 

When boy becomes a man, 
When girls are blossomed beauties 

And other homes they plan! 
Shout, shout as meni'ry bringeth 

Her battles for the free: 
"The Stars and Stripes Forever 
For home and mine and me!" 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 
Oh plant it round the home. 
Round White House ^Jid the cottage 

As oceans round us foam! 
She brings the strongest manhood 

Like citizens of Rome, 
Life, sons and daughters nursing 
As free as heaven's dome. 

The Stars and Stripes Forever! 
Hark, hark, there is a shout! 
Each home within the nation 
Lifts up and flings her out, 
All singing with the passion 

And victories of the free: 
"The Stars and Stripes Forever 
For home and mine and me I" 



92 



THE HOME ANGEL'S SONG. 

Oh angel divinest that guardeth love's portal! 

And never afar from the temple doth roam, 
Who art scept-red and pm-pled and crov.ned an immortal 

O'er subject and empire and blessings of home, 

Oh sins- us a dream to beguile the long leisure! 

A song that embalmeth the best of a heart, 
Which cjr.st in a flow and mellifluous measure 

Shall lift man on high from the things that depart 

*'A husband of years but forever a lover 

Returned to his home when the sun was on high; 

Returned from the strife to the sheltering cover 

Where his faith and his hopes and his happiness lie." 

*'He found his beloved on the bosom of slumber, 

A bosom that rests on the bosom divine; 
Its rise and its fall and its low -breathing number 

Is life, love and hope to the mortals that pine." 

"He sat by her side and gazed long on tlie sleeper 
Unconscious of all save himself in a dream, 

He looked and he looked like an angel guard keeper 
Who looks through the flesh co the spirits that gleam." 

"In silence he looked, both in silence and sorrow, 
While fountain-like motions within him awoke. 

The hand of his strength then a softness did borrow 
And pressed back her brow with a velvet-like stroke." 

"He stooped and his lips with some stih softer kisses 
Her spirit light touched with the warmest desire; 

That bosom of sleep or his soul's vital blisses 
Is feeding her now With the passions of fire." 

"Then, then I beheld how the strength of his passion 
Had opened the seal on the fountain of tears; 

The warm crystal rain that the dew drops might fashion 
Were sprinkled most free o'er their svift married years. 

"Swift up the steep height and before the great Giver 
I saw him bow down in the spirit of praise; 

When after he rose, like- a glorified river 

There flowed from his heart a rich volume of lays." 

"Commending his love to the home's great Defender 
He passed once again to the murdering mart; 

93 



But soul was enwrapped in the visions of splendor 
And fountains of life were aburst in his heart." 

"The wife soon awoke from her noonday reposes, 
Refreshed by the pulse of a heart quickened stream; 

She felt in her soul the rich glow of life's roses 
And smiled as she said: 'Oh what strength in a dream!' 



THE FIRST DREAM. 

Though I'm a boy and like the boys, 

I like the girls the best. 
They are indeed the fairy joys, 

The fairy spirits blest. 
They dance before the dancing eye 

Like flowers within the light. 
And when in sweetest dreams we lie 

They dance like stars of night. 

I think I never was so glad 

As once within a dream; 
A fairy in her muslin clad 

Was with me eating cream. 
It was an hour of sweet delight, 

But Oh she filled my bliss! 
She'd come again Then .said: "Goodnight'" 

And crowned me with her kiss. 

Though it was dark when I awoke 

The room was full of light. 
I saw her turn and smiling broke 

Another sweet: "Good-night!" 
I could not sleep again for hours. 

That promise and that kiss 
Drew me into her fairy bowers 

To meet her in my bliss. 

She has not come; but she will come; 

I wait her day by day; 
She is not deaf nor am I dumb;. 

She listens and I pray. 
Perhaps she may be here tonight; 

Her heart is full I know 
To hear me tell our past delight 

And with her promise glow. 

H 



So if my fairy love is here. 

Oh fairy of my heart! 
I want you now; and Oh come near 

And never more departs 
A fairy home and fairy love, 

A fairy life divine, 
Well make om' earth a heaven above 

When both om- hearts entwine. 



HOME. 

What is home? 
Home is where the Soul above 
Comes and dwells and fills with love; 
Where the bridegroom and the bride 
Lovers are through time and tide; 
Where the angels of their joy 
■Grow to live in Love's employ; 
Where the living fountains burst 
Flowing life to all athirst; 
Where the pulsing atmosphere 
Doth all welcome, rest and cheer; 
Where the spirit from above 
Spreads contagious life and love. 

This is home. 



MOTHERHOOD'S DESIRE. 

Spirit, spirit, all parental! 

Father of all light and love, 
Of all spirits pure and gentle 

In the earth and heav'n above! 
Hear the prayer my heart is singing 
For this heart unto me clinging! 

Send an angel. Love the warmest, 

That from thine o'-vn heart doth glow 

Love defendest, guidest, formest, 
Purging life as white as snow; 

May she come and with no fleeing 

Round my babe unfold her being. 

Purity is Love's twin sister, 
W^hiter than wind sifted snow, 

95 



Is life's greatest sense resister, 

Sense that fill the world with woe. 
May she come with life the rarest. 
Simplest, sweetest, richest, fairest! 

Truth is very Queen of heaven 
Though a stranger m the earth; 

Shelter from all blight and levin 
She imparts celestial worth. 

May great Truth be her attender. 

Nurse, companion and defender! 

Faith for her my heart implorest, 
She dwells nearest to the shrine. 

Out of her rich heart there pourest 
What makes woman most divine. 

Faith be unto her a mother 

From this world unto the other. 

Bid them circle, soul expressing! 

Bid them follow singing lore! 
Bid them lift their hands in blessing! 

Bid them guide her way before! 
Bid them feed her early dreaming. 
In her soul their virtues streaming! 

Singing, smiling, shining, glowing. 
May they lead her through the years! 

Give, oh give their overflowing 
In all losses, pains and tears! 

Guide her through the night and levin 

To the morning gates of heaven! 

These ideals, dreams and visions. 
Make them real unto her heart! 

Though they are the world's derisions 
They the soul alone can chart; 

Peace and joy and hope attending, 

Honor, courage, strength defending. 



WOMAN. 

A little flash, 
A soldier's dash. 
Some golden cash. 
And many a woman goes in smash, 

96 



THE TIEJECTED'S FAITH. 

There's just as good fish in the sea 

As ever yet were takm- 
There's just as sweet fruit on the tree 

As ever down was shaken; 
There's brighter seraphs in the sky 

Than mortals have beholden; 
There's dearer maidens by and by: 

J'U wait the season golden. 



THE NEW ADVISE. 

"If you would keep your husband's love 

And find the fruitful root, 
Of virtues all, below, above, 

Then feed, just feed the brute." 

■"If you would have a wife divine, 

A heav'nly kingdom rule. 
The all for which man's heart can pine, 

Then dress, just dress the fool," 



THE WIFE. 

House-keeper, cook, chamber-maid and harlot 

Is the life 
Of numbers vast who hide the wretched blot 
Behind the name of =,vife. 

A helpmate, a helpmate to the best ideal 

Is the wife 
High heav'n ordains and is the royal seal 
Upon the strength of life. 



NATURE'S BOUQUET. 

Old Nature smiled and sent to me 

A rare bouquet of flowers. 
She knew I loved the beautiful, 
But bound in courses dutiful. 
Still loved her though so soot} ful 
I battled with the hours. 



97 



When I came in and naw the sight 

I stood in blank surprise. 
A something new and deep in me, 
A higher soul asleep in me 
With sudden start did leap in me 

Like visions on the eyes. 

Quick down I sat with hungry greed 

Before the banquet feast. 
I drank the most divine in life; 
It seemed the very vine of life 
Was crunching out the wine of life 

Unto a poet priest. 

The green was gladdest, growing green. 
The white wa,s heaven's white, 

The purple, red and golden hues, 

Pinks, lavenders and olden blues. 

All vital with unfolden dews 
Did quicken with delight. 

The fragile, fair and fondest forms 

Seemed summer elfins nigh; 
And soon the fairies dancing gay. 
With backward, sideward prancing gay. 
And singing, smiling, glancing gay, 

Waltzed right across my eye. 

But Oh the fragrance, fragrance sweet I 

It seemed the breath of life. 
I pa<ssed beyond the portal dreams, 
Beheld the high, immortal dreams. 
Lived in majestic, courtal dreams 

With passions rich and rife. 

Soon, soon the magic flowers divine 

Took on a rarer grace. 
The dream of all the dreams o-l life 
Eclipsed all rainbow gleams of life, 
With smiles that were the creams of life 

Stood with me face to faca. 

And then I gathered up the flowers 

That had my spirit blest; 
And with a smile, a touch, a bli^ss. 
No lover thinks too much amiss. 
And crimsoned with just such a kiss . 

I placed them in her breast. 



98 



REJECTED. 

"Wilt thou be mine, Oh maiden heart! 

Be mine and mate with me! 
I've vast estates and all will part 

In dowry unto thee. 

Behold the ocean's purple deepl 

It whispers, sing and smiles; 
For me and mine it secret keeps 

Ten thousand golden isles. 

These flying ships with purple wings 

Unto us 'Welcome' hail. 
J^cross the sea a message rings 

For me and mine to sail. 

There mountains, rivers, cities, plains 

Have palaces like ^now; 
All portals ope with singing strains 

For me and mine to go. 

There nobles of an ancient race, 

Princesses pure and sweet. 
And mighty peoples vdrtue grace 

Both me and mine will greet 

There silver, golden, purple gowns, 

Bright jewels rich nnd rare, 
And flower-like jewels as of ciowns 

Both I and mine shall wear. 

From this far seeing mountain peak 

Behold a king's estate! 
All, all I give; Oh, maiden speak! 

Be mine and with me mate!" 

* Oh poet, king, soldier and priest 
I've dreamed and dreamed of the^; 

But in the dream another dream 
Is dearer far to me. 

Hadst thou ten thousands times the wealth 

Of kings the most divine. 
And gavest less than all thyself 

I'd be no mate of thine. 



99 



THE FOOLISH YIRGIN-. 

A thing in pants, 
A passing glance, 
An evening dance, 
And all her being is in trance. 

A coquette's play, 
A mairiage lay, 
A golden day, 
Then shadows darken round her way. 

A baby's morn, 
A father's scorn, 
A bosom torn, 
And to one grave they both are borne, 

A silence deep, 
A hopeful sleep, 
An angel keep, 
We pray be round her flowerless heap, 



GRANDMA'S MARRIAGE. 

"What! Married again!" "Yes! Married again! 

Though winter wreaths of purest snow 
Softly circle the brow,s of three-score ten, 
Our hearts have retaken the marriage vow. 
And few of the daughters and sons of men 

At the altar bow 
With a tithe of the love that we do now." 

"Why this flashing scorn? A love like the morn 

Feels not the clouds that around it burn. 
Thy reproachful tone like a poisoned thorn 
May not pierce the armor our joy imparts. 
In the purest love there is always born 

Most celestial arts 
To sweeten the pain from the world's keen darts. 

"Oh why should we be if with age doth flee 

The friends and fruits of our lif e'« long years ! 
From my cradle hour until I am free 
I will loose no soul that will mine endower. 
To revive thy love and its joy in me 

I will rain a shower 
To waken the strength of its dying power." 

100 



* In paradise bright of supreme delight 

When I was young and a maiden free, 
In gathering flowers to adorn the night 
A spirit I met as a radiant dream. 
He awoke my love and like morning bright 

Poured a cry.stal stream 
Sweet into tny heart with a rainbow gleam I" 

"Oh rapturous days! Oh delirious ways 

When spirit soared upon seraph wings; 
Oh the hope and dream and the blinding maze 
AVhen the leart unseals like a jeweled mine! 
How worlds in the world will forever blaze 

If the love divine 
Dwells de?p in the heart Vv^ith a free untwine!" 

"The heaven and earth were as glorious dreams; 

We strolled through neon ami the starry night: 
Nature's fountains flowed with divinest streams 
And we drank and drank and our i^pirits fed 
On the mirriage day that forever gleams. 

As a dream quick sped 
So the days soon passed and our lives were wed." 

"Then a girl or boy to our gladdest joy 

Old nature gave as a world of wealth. 
They were pleasures sweet on the brief annoy 
And spread in cur home as morn on the earth 
An experience .sealed from the lovers coy 

Till their infant's birth 
Unfolds their love in delirious mirtl." 

"To man grew our boy, to woman our joy 

As night and noon to their nigh estate. 
All our riper selves and without alloy 
To our younger selves did their fulness bart. 
To behold them grow and in hign employ 

Each all did impart 
As generous roots feed the flowers' fair art." 

"O'er the glassy wave which the i^ainbows pave 

They sailed away to the bridal isles 
W^here spirits divine they both won and gave. 
My virgins as fair as the driven snow, 
My princes pure as the love they did crave, 

I have seen them go 
To the isles where men to immortals grow." 

101 



"When 'Baby' was gowned and with orange buds crowned 

And rode away to the sunset hills, 
With surprise and fear we awoke and found 
That loves in a child may be torn apart, 
May forget themselves and seldom unbound 

With the lightning dart 
That enkindled first and sustained the het'rt." 

"So a misty rain from a lofty plain 

Fell gently down on the sacrifice. 
Soft, Oh soft it fell, but the hidden grain 
Felt the life and sprang with a promise bright 
That eclipsed the past, as the sunsets reign 

With diviner light 
Than the morning does with his splendors white." 

"Now an altar fire with a new desire 

Is kindled, flames and with passion burns. 
From the higher spheres is a high inspire 
So impassioned tense that our natures kneel 
In the hush of a new and ascending lyre, 

And another seal 
Receive on our hearts to our joy and weal." 

"It is peace and psalm; it is healing balm; 

Repose and rest and another dream; 
Till in some fixed hour the celestial calm 
On its bosomed strength will enwrap my love; 
For a moment than like a desert palm 

Or a widowed dove, 
I will mourn and wait for my call above." 

"Where love is enthroned and forever 'oned. 

In angel songs that are most divine. 
Where the precious souls here a moment loaned 
And diviner formed through the strifes that plow. 
Where the love here lost is forever owned 

Again we will bow 
And again retake the eternal vow." 

"Through the golden, green and the silver spheres 

That beckon forth to the universe 
We will travel on through eternal years. 
I can hark and hear the immortals chime 
A celestial song on the mortal ears, 

Calling out of time 
To mount up the planes of that married prime." 

102 



"Oh forgive the scorn! Give, give me a place 

In hearts and minds that forever love! 
'Tis a glorious creed, 'tis a crowning grace 
And a spring of hope in our blighted eartn. 
May the loves all grow and their courses trace 

With the higher mirth 
Which the spirit finds with each new rebirth!" 



THE SWEETEST OF THE SWEET. 

A song, My Dear, fell on my heart 

Too pure and ricn to die. 
So it to you I now impart, 

To others by and by. 

The snows of three score happy years 

Were lying on his head 
But his high heart and twin soul spheres 

With glowing fire was fed. 
About him round were freely strown 

The blessings of this life. 
Were lands and gold and on a throne 

Above them all a wife, 
A wife that filled his growing heart 

With life's immortal love. 
With love that never can depart 

But lifteth all above. 
All, all his heart was given her. 

Love never can withhold; 
When giving self he did confer 

The trifles of his gold. 

It was bis joy to give his gifts. 

And as to us the sun 
Sends golden splendors through the rifts. 

His blessings down did run. 
And once a check to money street 

He wrote out proud and bold: 
Pay to "The Sweetetst of the Sweet 

A hundred coins in gold." 

In at the banker's window there 

She passed it, and surprise 
Fell on the banker in his care 

And wonder on his eyes. 

103 



"Why, this is strange! Unusual name! 

•The Sweetest of the Sweet!' 
The gentleman has here a claim 

But who are you we greet?" 
"Oh! I'm the 'Sweetest of the Sweet,' 

And he's the best of men. 
You need not fear for he will meet 

The order of his pen." 
"Well, sign your name here on the bade 

I never go on trust, 
liut in this case I'll leave the track 

And trust you, for I must." 
Sho took the pen and wrote her name 

The name of Susan B., 
And handed in with happy frame 

The lines so plain to see. 
He counted out the proper sum 

And drew the check inside. 
He stood a moment as if dumb 

And then instinctive cried: 
"Oh this won't do! We cannot pay 

A cent to Susan B„ 
We only pay our gold today 

Unto the name we see." 
So once again she took the pen 

And signed it as was meet 
And wrote down there for every ken. 

The Sweetest of the Sweet." 
So then he counted out the gold 

Without a shade of doubt 
And with a smile that volumes told 

She slowly passed on out. 

The banker dreamed of his old love 

He lost so long ago, 
Whose angel spirit winged above 

And left him dark beIow^ 
In all his clerks it kindled dreams 

The purest of all life, 
And maiden forms in radiant beams 

Came as betrothed and wife. 
They voted all that such a name 

Was never in a bank; 
It should be hnng up in a frame 

As of the highest rank. 
So it was framed and on the wall 

It hangs above their heads 
And mid the frenzied fiance thrall 

A saving magic spreads. 

104 



And I'm that old man's son, My Dear, 
And you whom now I greet. 

Her one successor and her peer, 
"The Sweetest of the Sweet." 



THE POETIC WIFE. 

"Hello Tom! You're married now. 
You are tight within the vow, 
Can't he free without a row." 

"I don't want to. 'Twas the best 

I ever did. I am blest, 

Drinking life with z'^al and zest." 

"Well, I'm glad, and have you found 
Some gold min^ or silver mound 
Hidden in the sacred ground?" 



"Not exactly, but as good; 
Better than if so I should; 
She inspires our humanhood." 

"And besides she verses reads 
And upon your singing feeds, 
Sayings: 'Music spirit leads!'" 

"She likes poets! Such a mate! 
I am sorrow for your state. 
You are tangled up wiih Fate." 

"Fate was sore. In this disguise 
Did deceive your heart and eyes. 
Gave you of her kind the prize." 

"There's a magget in her brain. 
Cog has slipped out of its train. 
There's a screw that needs a strain." 

"Here's my kit. Th"s driver take! ! 
Find that screw and though .-he shake 
Send it 'home' just to the break." 

"All right, Friend! I'll do just that. 
I'll take off her bridal hat; 
And that screw find in the fat." 

105 



So he went and later when 

I asked as we met igain 

If the screw came to his ken. 

"Sure! I went home and took her head, 

Held it in a vice and said: 

Til find and tm*n that screw up dead.' " 

"Then I fingered round her bumps 
As among rough stones and stumps 
Till at last I cried out: 'Trumps!'" 

"But the slot I could not fiid 
Though I looked till nearly blind, 
Then in rage I was unkind." 

"Blind I took the driver head 
Struck the bump to make it dead 
Till it swelled up large and red." 

"Good! You're the man just for a wife; 

You'll be king and lord of life; 

For your march we'll play the fife." 

"Keep her at the height of prose 
But below poetic glows. 
Ask the poet for he knows." 

"Keep, Oh keep her just between 
Shadows and life's rainbow sheen, 
Thoughtlessness and sorrow lean!" 

"Let her read but never write 

Life's poetic fancies bright 

For the dreams both bless and blight!" 

"Poetry is vanity, 
In a wife urbanity. 
In a man insanity." 

"Oh! You are just a little sore, 
But through Life has blindly tore 
She through you adds to her score!" 

"She has written out some thought 
That to grief alone is taught 
And the wise have ever bought." 

106 



"Now and then strikes out s sound 
That the soul in ooul has found 
And to which musicians bound." 

"Here and there has struck a line 
That just veils the truth divine, 
Beauty doth admire and pine." 

"But the bump, the bump did break 
And the maggot, screw or ache 
To full freedom did awake." 

"Now the wife not only likes 

Poetry, but freely strikes 

The lyric lyre as hammer spikes." 

"She is full of song and fire, 
Strikes each day a nobler t- re, 
Mounting up in her desire." 

"I go singing like a lord. 
Always armored with a sword, 
Fighting for a queen adored." 

"Thank thee for the sage advice, 
For old songs divine entice 
Life and Love to paradise." 



FAT MEDICLME. 

Toin has a little girl as frail 

i^nd fragile as a cloud, 
What time they through the azure sail 

As spotless as a shroud. 
Her mortal frame could hardly claim 

A spirit mould to be; 
More like a dream for soul doth seem 

So bodiless and free. 

She weakness is and tenderness. 

Just pallid flesh and bone; 
A lily-flower of slenderness 

By child play overthrown. 
Oft ailing, sick ?nd feeling pain. 

i^nd always weak and lean; 
Her mortal race to woman's grace 

In doubt i.-5 often seen. 



107 



The doctor feeds her appetite 

With medicine b' for fat; 
Rut they have iciiled when besL applied. 

As worthless this as that. 
So, as often as the comes to me. 

Or I to see her pine 
I go and see and give her free 

Some medicine cf mine. 

I fold her in my bosom deep; 

My kisses on Iiei' dart; 
And with each kiss there is a I'^ap 

Of something to her heart. 
I kiss her o'er and o'er and o'er; 

With every kiss there goes 
A portion of the crimson store 

With which love overflows. 

Tlie pennies, toys and candies sweet 

Are sandwiched in with kisses; 
And when our hearts together beat 

There is a glow of blisses. 
"Oh Honey! this will make you fat; 

This medicine is fine; 
Just feed the doctor's to the cat 

But take a lot of mine." 

So by the medicine we all 

Unto her freely give. 
Just like a flower beside the wall 

She gather3 strength to live. 
And as to girlhood up she grows 

She slowly leaves behind 
The sickness, pain and mortal foes 

That round her cradle twined. 

Oh lovers, lovers, lover.^ glad! 

No need to tell to you, 
This medicine has ever had 

A heart of crimson hue. 
Ye both have found what doctors miss 

A.nd wise men often scorn: 
That love is life and in a kiss 

Life's strength is often born. 

Oh husband bare, behold her there! 
Is she not growing lean, 

lOS 



^\'ho once was young and fresh and fair 

As eyes have ever seen? 
Oh use this medicine of mine! 

I'll wager you a hat 
That she again vrill grow divine, 

And you grow green and fat. 

Oh wisdom, age and hoary time! 

'Tis life and love and joy 
Which kisses sweet but sets to rhyme 

That saves us from destroy. 
Your sorrow, greed and hate and scorn, 

No strength can ever give. 
Ye never kiss and always m.iss 

The life by which we live. 

Oh children, maidens, men and ail 

Let us forever love! 
Then heav'n itself will either fall 

Or we ris<^ up above. 
Oh love, oh love that never dies! 

Oh love that overflows! 
Within our bosoms gently rise 

And feed these infant glows. 



IS HE MARRIED' 

Is he married? 

That's the quest 
That all women 

Ask with zest 
Of the poet 

In the hour 
Fame and honor 

Round him flower. 

"Sure, I'm married! 

Have a wife 
W^ho's the fountain 

Of my life. 
Virtue, beauty 

and delight, 
T.ike an angel 

On my sight.'' 

109 



'She's the glorv 

Of her kind/ 
More than morning 

To my mind. 
I could barter 

All my pile, 
Earth and heaven 

For her smile." 

"E'ach the other 

Doth complete 
Strong as granite; 

Pure and sweet; 
Both together 

Are one soul; 
Each the other 

True doth pole.'^ 

"If not married 

How could I 
Of this spirit 

Sing and sigh? 
Raise around her 

Forms of life 
Each one singing: 

'To my Wife.'" 

"Oh believe itr 

I am wed. 
Harnessed, happy. 

Strong and red. 
Wife and babies 

Round me ring 
And the lover 

Can but sing." 

"Don't believe it! 

I'm alone, 
Single, chainless 

And my own. 
Free from burden. 

Care and strife 
That's the dowry 

With a wife." 

"I am single, 
Light and free, 

110 



Like a dreamer. 

Bird or tree; 
Like a singer, 

Sword or song, 
Independent, 

Bold and strong." 

""Was I married 

Could I sing 
These home measures 

On the wing? 
Who e'er married 

And then found 
Music, beauty 

In him bound?" 

*' 'Sang I single 

Sweet of love; 
To De married, 

Heav'n above! 
But when double 

Then my harp 
Sang of battle, 

Strife was sharp.' " 

"'Did a poet 

E'er before 
After married 

Sing such lore? 
In the marriage 

Lovers die 
And then changes 

Song to sigh." 

*'I am single, 

Bright and free, 
Fat and laughing, 

Shine with glee; 
Soaring, circling 

Round and round. 
As an eagle 

Sunward bound." 

"Don't believe it! 

I've a wife 
Crowned and sceptered 

O'er my life. 

Ill 



Sovereign empreot^ 
Of my heart, 

Radiant angel 
Of my &rt." 



INFLUENCE OF BAFY. 

I've studied my dear baby girl 

Since heav'n gave her to me: 
When gazes her blue eyes in mine 

Her little heart I see. 
I've watched her many an evening hour 

From play till bed time still. 
Yet never in her crystal soul 

Could see a trace oi ill. 

When e'er I hold my little girl 

Close up against my heart 
A fountain warm and sweetest life 

Within my soul doth start. 
In rapturous joy and tenderness 

I draw her closer still; 
There's nought like her upon my breast 

In this wide world of ill. 

My tears oft bathe her lily brow 

When sleeping on my heart, 
Since then I feel from her pure soul 

To mine she does impart 
A sense of woeful chance and los.s. 

Of evil, guilt and shame, 
As I have soiled the spotless robes 

In which I hither came. 

Oh could I be as baby dear, 

Pure as the driven snov/! 
All that I have and am today 

I gladly would forego! 
I'd pass through seas of cleansing fire 

If I might reach the shore 
Which baby's feet are treading now 

And I have trod of yore. 

Oh Soul divine, for help I cry! 

The world of sin I flee. 
Oh make me as in years ago 

When first I came iTom thee; 

112 



Oh shed thy love within my soul! 

That cleansing fire divine 
Till in my heart again I ieel 

Pure as this child of thine. 



THE WHISTLING GIRL. 

0)1 the whistling girl is the girl for mel 
So happv, so ])right and so charmingly free! 
With her heart n:ost full and an overflow 
Like a crystal stream or the winds that blow. 

A heart that is full of delirious life 
Will unfold itself in harmonious strife; 
Be a strange combine of a girl and a boy 
And them both at. once in their wildest Joy. 

The elements rich of the pure and free 
Like the fountains burst in their gurgling glee; 
And what a surprise that the heart of life 
Thrcugh the maid should sing as a whistling tlfe! 

^\'e will name not now the piccolo notes 
Which the instrument on the evening floats; 
And the whistling breath of the artist's lips 
Ma,/ the simple play of the maid eclipse. 

Her notes may not rival the bird that mocks 
The cage or the branch that her passion rocks; 
Nor the piping sound of her sisters fair 
Sliould we measure now with her artless air. 

But the bristling pride of the neighbor's boy 
She will often shame, and her bubbling joy 
Will cast on the wind an echoing laugh, 
That is borne av^ay like the flakes of chaff. 

See the mother fret and the father scold 
At the torn-boy girl and her nature bold, 
For the fan-'ily line with its Icng uncurl 
^Vas never disgraced with a whistling girl. 

And the uncles come and they smile or stare. 
And the aunties come and are bowed with care. 
.\nd the cousins come when they hear the fame 
Of the whistling girl who is past all shame. 

113 



The gossiping few that are always found, 
Behold her and Lear and they gather round; 
On the lips, the lips, what a burdened sigh! 
Eui the heart and eye ihey are double dry. 

Oh the whistling girl! Oh the whistling girl! 
TIow the faded maid and the jilted churl, 
7'urn the heart and ear that her unbefriend. 
And whisper the story of some "bad end." 

Oh leave her alone! Let her childish heart 
Find a free express in all innocent art! 
For a sight like that in a world like this 
Were a parent's joy and a poet's bliss. 

Oh leave her alone, for old Nature said 
To such blighting souls whom the night had fed: 
"The girls that whistle like hens that crow 
WiU make their way wherever they go." 

They will make their way as the birds that sing 
After winter's blight in the happy spring 
Make way with a song to our hungry ears 
And open the fount of our healing tear.?. 

Thev will make their way as the morning lark 
Dcth rise from the vale and the shadows dark, 
And above the hills in the sun's first rays 
Unburdens her heart in delirious praise. 

They will inake their way as a few stray notes 
From a wife or a child or a loved one floats 
On the heart of man, and the strength of life 
Is engirded strong for the day of strife. 

They will make their way as a sinless child 
Can enter the heart of the sin defiled, 
And banish the sorrow of long dark years 
And inspire a Lope in the midst of fears. 

They will make their way to the woman's years 
With a grace beloved but seldom appears; 
Both a heart and mind that is poised at rest 
And in blessing all is the one most blessed. 

They will make their way to a noble heart 
And receiving it will the more impart; 

114 



Boili a hope unknown and a faith divine 
And a helping life that will upward twine. 

Oh the whistling girl is the girl for nie 
For the kind of fruit in the bud 1 seel 
So, my song, go forth! Find the happy sprit 
And for me her kiss to thy heart's deligni ; 



THE WIFE'S NEW DRESS. 
Husband reading. 

"My clothe.s have just come home todav 

You remember them, My Dear; 
The boy just dropped them on his way 

As springtime draweth near. 
If you would like I'll go and dress; 

Perhaps you'd like to see; 
You always like my things no less, 

Or little less than me." 

"Oh yes, My Dear I I love to see 

The birds of song and plume; 
The flowers that spring doth open free 

In beauty and perfume; 
The rainbow daughters of the sky, 

The white nymphs by the sea. 
The spirits on the mountains high. 

But what are they to thee?" 

Wife goes to dress. 
He continues reading. 
She is coming down. 

"Oh hush! Oh hush, my heart! Be still! 

There's magic in the air! 
A spirit which enchantments fill 

Descends the golden stair. 
The rustling stuff, the falling train, 

And feet the carpet press — 
Oh what a vision for the brain, 

My wife in her new dress!" 

"Well, well, My Dear! Is this yourself? 

Why sure! I cannot see. 
I thought it some poetic elf 

Had come to visit me. 

115 



I thought it was my old ideal 

or fashion, honor, wealth, 
Had come again my heart to steal, 

But Oh! It is yourself." 

"So this is then the famous dress 

You often did rehearse. 
The theme of praise and often guess 

And sweet domestic verse? 
Well! I declare! Your tailoress 

Is some poetic life. 
On Sunday in your hat and dress 

rU hardly know my wife." 

"Strange! Strange! Dress is a wondrous thing! 

A little touch of dress 
Can round a woman's nature fling 

A man bewitchingness! 
A little change, flow, ribbon, lace, 

Cut, cloth or anything. 
And man will dream an angel grace 

Doth on his vision spring." 

"Does it fit me?" "Does it fit you? 

Oh! It fits you like a glove; 
Or like the softest, neatest shoe, 

Or aught that women love; 
Or like the fit around the form 

The mantle makers gown, 
Or like the dress that makes a storm 

Of envy in the town." 

"The skirt has just a perfect line; 

It fits the artist's eye. 
Its drop and curve is certain sign 

That grace for it will sigh. 
Around thy handsome feet it makes 

A charmed circle rare 
And every motion seems to shake 

Enchantments on the air." 

"This arm and shoulder, is it tight? 

Lift up and set it free! 
Oh ! There it is. It's coming right 

To just tlie shape, I see. 
The back, there let me pull it down 

And smooth it into place. 
Well, by ray faith! You'd make a crown 

For all the woman race." 

116 



"How does it fit you round the breast 

Tbe necli: sits like a charm. 
The waist is tight as ever pressed 

A lover's faithful arm. 
But I'm no expert in this line; 

To you how does it seem?" 
''Oh! I think the fit is just divine, 

As good as I could dream." 

■"The tailoress is Madam B.; 

And Madam B. you know, 
Has poet eyes the grace to see 

And hands the grace to show. 
She said I looked just like a bride. 

She said with eyes aglow: 
'This dress and fit and soul inside. 

Around the world could go.' " 

^'But Dear, I would not go a block 

Unless with you I went; 
Tn poverty and simple frock 

With thee I'd be content. 
But I am glad you like the dress; 

It's half the fit to me 
To have your eyes of happiness 

Approve it as I see." 



"'How do you like the cloth and shade? 

"I like the stuff. It's good. 
Our clothes should of the best be made 

And serve the humanhood. 
The men and w^omen who are cheap 

Want shoddy, show and trash, 
But nature's need and natures deep 

Abhor the empty flash." 

"I like the hue. All shades of blue 

Are dear unto my heart. 
And artist blue enfolding yon 

Is more than all their art. 
I never see a dress of blue 

Move through the throng and din, 
But what I wish a sky^soul true, 

A soul like you within." 

"If you would keep your husband's love, 
The French say: 'Dress in white;' 

But all the rainbow hues above 
Are equal my delight. 

117 



i like the white of wedding dress, 

The red and gold and blue, 
The violet and the raven tress, 

I like them all on you." 

"Well, I like blue and white the best; 

When I am dressed in white 
Unto myself I am a guest 

And welcomed with delight. 
Whenever I am dressed in blue 

I feel that I am dressed 
And like the azure skies we view 

Bright, beautiful and blest." 

"Now, how do I look?" "How do you look? 

Oh! That's the question. Dear! 
I thought that thought had gently took 

A silent flight from here. 
I did not think that in thy heart 

Such question could be found; 
But here it comes with sudden dart 

And pop right from the ground." 

"How do you look? How do you look? 

Oh bring the looking glass! 
How many glances have you took 

With pose and turn and pass? 
The full length looking glass upstair 

And hand glasses as well. 
If they could speak their visions fair 

111 wager they could tell." 

"You look just like a happy bird 

When spring renews her plume; 
Just like a flower that life has stirred 

To full new opened bloom; 
Just like a lover's perfect dream 

Upon his heart and brain; 
Just like a bride with joy supreme 

When summer heavens rain." 

"You look just like the soul I sought 

When wandering and alone; 
Just like the woman that wasi brought 

Out of the far unknown; 
Just like a lover that did bring 

A blessing most divine; 
Just like the wife of whom I sing: 

'Mine! Mine! Oh only mine!' 

118 



"You do not look as beauties loo"k; 

They have what thou hast not; 
But yonder star and flower and brook 

Have lent to thee somewhat. 
Through thee the angels of the blue 

Upon my vision start; 
You look just like a woman true, 

You look just wbat thou art." 

^'There, there, My Heart! Both sad and glad 

You make me with your song. 
I fear these images you had 

Cannot to me belong, 
Well, well I know deep in my heart 

I'm not what I should be; 
But upward oft my spirits start 

The life of life to see. ' 

"You don't think it worldly, do you? 

All worldly tbings I hate. 
With all throned on tbe azure blue 

You know my heart would mate. 
The worldly, fashion, wanton dress, 

Nor soul or God within. 
It must, it must, it does express 

A heart enslaved to sin." 

"Do I think it worldly? No! No! 

Is worldliness in things? 
'Tis in the spirit deep below 

And from within as springs; 
In our sufficiency and pride 

And idle vanity; 
In motives where all ills abide 

And self's insanity." 

"The worlds are all created free. 

In beauty most divine; 
The very things we daily see 

Were made to sing and shine. 
Wear shape and hue and trim thy dress 

With simple saving art; 
If flower and bird are sinfulness. 

Oh what is nature's heart!" 

"Does such a thing lift up thy heart? 

On poorer dress look down? 
To this be true: does, does it start 

On heav'n's face a frown? 

119 



If such it does, the cure divine 
Would not the dress displace; 

Get down! Get down! Get down and pine 
For deeper saving j?race!" 

"Oh Beauty, Love and Life and Light 

Behind the mortal veil! 
Thy glory grows upon our sight 

All up the finite scale. 
Oh clothe her in the dress divine, 

Thy Spirit's life and love! 
The graces that with splendor shine 

In earth and heaven above!' 



AN OLD FASHIONED GEORGIA FATHER. 

I stood within my cottage gate, 

And well drawn in with fear and hate 

Did watch the bully that did bait 

The boys draw nigh. 
There would he touch me? I did wait 

Him passing by. 

He stood and talked like any chap 
But going, gave me such a slap 
It sounded like a leather strap 

And stung with pain, 
I scarce the tears apon the rap 

Could full restrain. 

When supper did the table gown 
My father nearly knocked me down, 
And shame upon my brow did frown 

When he would know 
What I had done that then young Brown 

Did strike me so. 

"Nothing. He bullies all the boys. 
To fight us seems his best of joys. 
He's big and strong and makes a noise 

And wants to fight 
And knuckles on his fist employs 

To make them bite." 

Father stopped eating. His cheeks grew red; 
His eyes grew blazing in his head; 



120 



A mighty passion from its bed 

Had sudden woke 
And with all strength the furnace fed 

Thus to me spoke: 

"If in this town there is a man 
That lays a hand on you I'll tan 
His hide till black and blue. Now scan 

The big and strong, 
Your father dare to death the clan 

To right your wrong." 

"But if I see or ever hear 
You are a coward in your fear 
And take abuses from your peer, 

And lie down base, 
A coward, slave, shaking and sheer 

Scab of disgrace," 

"I'll thrash you till you oleed and bleed. 
Your very bones will break, and lead 
Your young soul out and to it feed 

Till she IS fed 
The thrashing you most certain need, 

Thrashed aimost dead." 

"Within your soul the man I'll find 
Or you are not your father's kind. 
A green peeled rod may swift unbind 

The soul that lights 
And matcheth with a heart and mind 

Its manhood rights." 

"I won't have you the cursed thing 
That men will spit on, hate and fling 
Out of their noble coldier ring. 

Better the grave 
For me and mine than hear men sing: 

'His boy's a slave.' " 

"Be peaceful, friendly, kind to all! 
Defend the cripples, weak and small! 
But front the bullies strong and tall. 

Stand up and fight! 
When there is no need stand to the wall 

And land ii right!" 

"To all the lengths of honor go 

To keep the peace with friend and foe. 

121 



But when dishonored, strike the blow! 

Stand up and light! 
Such men an iron fist can throw 

Defending- right." 

"A boy that is a boy of mine 
And cannot front the firing line 
For Liberty and Right divine 

I'd shoot him dead. 

Nor would a flower of memory ,shine 

Above his head. ' 

"Now in your case. He'll strike once more; 
I'll watch and see. It will go sore 
If with this high souled soldier lore 

You do not sweep 
And like a lion in his roar 

Upon him leap." 

Then he sat down. He could not eat. 
I saw great sorrow on him seat; 
But something in me rose in heat 

And glowed in pride, 
And father's soul did in me beat 

And mine did ride. 

It later came as you have gue,ssea. 
I had to fight and did my best; 
Both gave and took with equal zest 

A beefsteak face, 
That nature in a few days dressed. 

But no disgrace. 

I see my father was a man, 

A royal chieftain of the clan. 

And struck for me life's noblest plan, 

I've yet to see 
Of all that in the world I scan 

Man more than he. 

Straight was he, level, plumb and square. 
The more a man the more laid bare, 
A rich old fashioned soldier rare 

Of nature'.s plan, 
And she and Life speaks pointing there: 

"That is a man." 

122 



From that far day to this one here 
I've never known the face of fear 
But often paused and dropped a tear 

To think how he 
A double father without peer 

Still marches me. 



A CRADLE MEDITATION. 

I sat beside a cradle child 

My spirit silence keeping; 
And silence near the undefiled 

Is always wisdom reaping. 

I gazed upon that nature new, 
In sweetest slumber dreaming, 

Like most of earthly things we view 
Deceiving by its seeming. 

Most helpless of all mortal births, 

A mass of tissue living; 
No promise of celestial worths 

To aught but wisdom giving. 

Nought, nought to sight but instincts low, 

A pulse w^ith feeble beating, 
A struggle with a mortal foe 

And nature's cry repeating. 

But grant some years, some terms at school, 
Some days of work and sorrow; 

Behold the growth! What double rule 
To measure shall we borrow? 

But grant some struggle, toil and strife 

Deep cutting in the spirit. 
And all that know the grow^th of life 

Will even now" revere it. 

Down to the deep, up to the height, 

From this soft smiling pillow. 
Will pas,s the powers that bless or blight 

As billow after billow. 

Here jester's laugh and gossip talk 
High thinking may be scorning. 



123 



And spirit-death spread as they walk 
Upon the sons of morning. 

Or poetry from these sweet lips 
May pour her deathless singing. 

Beyond the ages thts eclipse, 
Its echoes onward ringing. 



Perhaps a deep satanic hate 
Has burst its chains asunder; 

Now by contagion, pov/er and fate 
Draws earth to darkness under. 

Or heaven's gift, incarnate love 
Has passed the golden portal, 

Descending from the neart above 
To make man more immortal. 

Here powers may be of unbelief, 

The spirit of all cnrses, 
Wide scatt'ring, what a harvest sheaf? 

Her loud blaspheming verses. 

Or there may be a faith sublime, 

A column heaven reaching; 
Around which other souls may climb 

The summit of their teaching. 

Perhaps destructive 'genius vast 
May shake the social order, 

And ruin spread on spirit blast 
From border unto border. 

Or dynasties may here be born 
Of love and light and splendor, 

All rising beautiful as morn 
Around their chief defender. 

A flaming conscience with the weight 

Of life and death upon her 
May God, eternity and fate 

By guilt and fear dishonor. 

This conscience may be saved from fear, 

A girded law and duty; 
Redeemed by love, orb to a sphere, 

A universal beauty. 

124 



Perhaps a most unbridled lust, 
Earth's vilest, strongest passion, 

May lizard-like eat serpent dust 
And life from love 'jnfashion. 

Or else a gi'anite purity, 

Like snowy mountains yonder 

May breast the greatest curse we see 
Where Love and Life may wander. 

Up to the height, down to the deep, 

To God himself or devils, 
These potencies and powers will leap 

In worships or in revels. 

It may not be in the.se extremes 
These gifts shall be unfolden; 

But who may stay these doubtful dreams 
Unbodied but beholden? 

Yet some of these shall surely be; 

This is a new creation; 
A passion from eternity, 

A spirit for a station. 

*Tis acting now and soon will act 

In new maturer glory. 
Its every breath doth deed com])act 

And feeds another story. 

Yes! More than this. Forever more, 

No never ending ages 
Can lose or hold the neM^ outpour 

This frame so feeble cages. 

Within itself while ages pass 

All powers and states win strengthen; 
Within itself as in a glass 

A character will lengthen. 

Within itself will grow and grow 

The image most divinest; 
Within itself will clearer show 

Which selfishness enshrinest. 

Out of itself an influence strong 
Shall burn on growing numbers; 

Life grows and grows through ages long 
When we are in our slumbers. 

125 



As stones cast into seas asleep 
Start circles wider swelling; 

Through water, air and ether deep 
They pass beyond our tellin?;. 

So spirits of eternity 

Start through and feeling flowing; 
Their circles widen on the sea, 

Go, going, going, going. 

It is a solemn thing to die. 

More solemn to be living; 
To other souls that onv/ard fly. 

Our good or evil giving. 

Now which of these shall surely bs 

Is mother in thy being, 
Within thy hope, thy purity; 

Thy wisdom and far seeing. 

It lives within a moral love. 
In purpose soul-ward yearning, 

In faith that holds the truth above 
These selfish greeds so burning. 

Some mothers never wak( to God, 
Nor find their noblest mission; 

Be wise! Be wise! Spirits unawed 
Must learn by sad fruition. 

Some mothers dream the wicked dreams 
Of fashion, fame and pieasure; 

Be wise! Be wise! Revere the gleams 
Around life's priceless treasure. 

Some mothers rave of large spheres 

Till others heed the story; 
Be wise! Be wise! Before the years 

Of shame eclipse the glory. 

Oh mother, mother, bow thee down! 

In silence seek the vision 
That all the highest virtues crown 

And leads life to elysian! 

Oh mother, mother, bow thee down! 

Make thou the corsecration 
Unto the ends that glorious gown 

The soul with domination! 

126 



Oh mother, mother, bow thee down! 

Choose honor, truth and duty! 
Though life and selfishness ma: frown, 

All heaven smiles in beauty. 

Then to thy sons and daughters round 

Thy spirit full unfreeing, 
The virtues that from such abound 

Redeem and grace all being. 

As thou hast brought, so thou must feed 
And guide the infant mortal , 

And what thou art shall surely lead, 
Oh lead them high and courtal! 



BOYHOOD'S HOME. 

I wish I were a boy again 

In childhood's happy home' 
I see it perfect in my ken. 

Though far from it I roam. 
The house stands yonder on the hill. 

The garden and the flowers, 
With cosy rooms and rest to kill 

My daily wearied powers. 
Though poor it had a sweet content, 

A pleasure, hope and peace, 
For heav'n had round about it lent 

Good health with largest lease. 
Oh home, thou art of earth most blest! 

Thou art the nearest heav'n! 
And more to-day, since this lost heart 

Beats on through night and levin. 
I've passed to here from place to place; 

From house to house depart; 
But never found the happy grace 

That makes thee what thou art. 
For years and years I've wandered round; 

I live but have no home; 
I seek, but never yet have found 

The place for which I roam. 
How often through nignt's lighted panes 

Thy image springs on me! 
What love! What peace! What happy strains: 

Who has not longed for thee? 
I envey not the rich and great 

Their gifts of power and place; 

127 



The poor man's more than royal state 

Of home I would embrace 
I wish I were a boy again! 

I'm weary with life's roam^ 
I wish my heart could rest as when 

It did in boyhood's home! 



DRINK HER HEALTH. 

\cross the startled screaming page 

In letters crimson red, 
A message ran that all did scan: 

"Miss Helen Gould will wed." 
Then Life looked up and softly smiled: 

"I'm glad. I hope its true. 
I hope the man that has enwiled 

h' manhood through a ad through." 

"There's multitudes of womankind, 

Indifferent, bad and good. 
From some I turn, to some am blind 

But worship womanhood. 
And she's a woman I can swear; 

So here within the strife, 
There's something springs and in me sings. 

To such a Queen of lif^." 

'Unseen and silent, constant, wise. 

Her kindness has been sown, 
Like benedictions on the sighs 

Compassion made her own. 
Their mortal sorrows she has shared, 
^ Soft dressed the wounded heart, 
And from her alabaster bared 

A woman's healing art." 

"Her kindness comes to me and mine. 

And kindness is more balm 
Than medicine or treasures fine 

Or summer sun and palm. 
To Time she is an honored guest; 

Need will embalm her name; 
This word will wake in many a breast 

A skyward mounting flame." 

"Dark slander whispers 'she is old,' 
We know that she is good. 

128 



A woman more the highest hold 

Than rainbow maidenhood. 
Goodness is beauty, perfume sweet, 

That never groweth old. 
And rare. Oh rare doth goodness meet 

With such a wealth of gola!" 

•Let Labor's sons pause in their toil! 

Pause ye of higher rank! 
Now pluck a flower and let the dowser 

Her wedding pathway prank! 
Now lift a glass of royal wine, 

Hope,s, blessings, songs and sighs; 
Now drink her health and wish the wealth 

Of God's protecting skies!'' 



THE LOVERS' PATHWAY. 

From our birth to yonder portal 
Is a pathway high anl courtal. 
Spacious, stretching and as golden 
As the dreams divine beholden; 
Is a course as rich and glorious 
As for princes w-hen victorious 
And the way is arched and splendid 
As the pageantries e'er wended; 
Is a street as clad with glory 
As the classic exploits uoary 
And forever there advances 
Morning in all song and dances. 

On each side are noble mansions, 
Palaces with rich expansions, 
Marble structures, dome and column, 
Halls and courts in grandeur solemn ; 
There is majesty reposing, 
Beauty her abode disclosing, 
And within them is the garnish 
That no dust or shadows tarnish; 
Books and statues, music, splendor 
And high pageantry attender 
For those spirits great and loyal 
On the peaks of life so royal. 

Gardens, Avalks and lawns and bowers 
Bloomed and brightened are with flowers, 

129 



With such rainbow colors streaming: 
As sets soul in magic dreaming-. 
There the birds with lyric measures 
Quicken with soul piercmg pleasures 
And sweet winds are ever winging. 
Spicy, winelike perfumes flinging. 
There the azure panting arches 
Splendors life in all its marches 
And these humans crimson glowing 
Seem immortals in their going. 

On that avenue are pas,sions 
That anew creates and fashions 
Common souls to angel measures 
And old nature low retreasures. 
Here are felt the vital pulses - 
Like an earthquake that convulses; 
Brings from selfishness a mortal 
That could grace high heaven's portal; 
Shuffling off all that cebases, 
Born into diviner races; 
In the dewy dawn of morning 
Souls are walking with adorning. 

There are passing youths and maidens 
To and from far sunny aidens. 
Strong as is the soul of duty. 
Fair as is the light of beauty, 
Tall as is the shaft that towers, 
Warm as is the rose that flowers. 
Swift as is the brightning levin, 
Pure as is the azure heaven, 
Marching in heroic armor. 
Singing like a siren charmer, 
They are now each other meeting 
With romances on their greeting. 

There it is. Soul lightnmg dashes; 
Spirit into spirit flashes 
Sparks contagious, burning, flaming, 
Flesh consuming, being claiming; 
Passions that are white and glowing. 
Bursting, bounding, overflowing, 
Rising, soaring, circling, swinging. 
Songs of drunken rapture flinging. 
For the soul within the maiden 
Finds the god that makes her aiden 
And life's granite strength the barest 
Finds his goddess pure and fairest. 

130 



They are off in love's romances, 
Dizzy in tlieir courtship dances 
'Neatli the starry moonlight splendor 
That invites the passions tender. 
Now are whispered high profe.ssions 
And diviner breathed expressions; 
Now both heav'n and earth are ringing, 
Both their hearts like Vouncains springing 
And the rapture of that passion 
Casts on both a glorious fashion. 

There are pledges strong as heaven, 
Oaths defying life and levJn; 
Change and time and all that sever 
Shall divide them never, never. 
Now the two no more are single 
Each doth with the other mingle; 
Love a spirit most divinest 
In a single soul enshrinest 
And the ocean currents tidal 
Float them toward the alt? r bridal. 

There is now the rich embraces 
That the wine of life uncases; 
Both are giving, taking kisses 
Of unfathomed plumbless blisses. 
Yes, some happy tears are stealing 
And the love supremely sealing. 
Now a silence doth them folden 
Silence saving, sweet and golden, 
With some touches of that sorrow 
Purest love and joy must borrow. 

Down from heav'n's highest mountain^i, 
Up from earth's most central fountains, 
Stream as boundless as the ocean 
Currents quick'ning with emotion. 
In the mind such thought arises 
As the soul supreme surprises, 
Worlds on worlds the spirit hailing 
As are cut the curtains veiling. 
In the will there comes a master 
That ne'er knows nor dre':.ms disaster; 
Wholly living in the vision 
Fear seems like insane derision. 

Now idealists and dreamers, 
Recreators and reschemers 

131 



Up are rising, and their duty 
Is to fill that way with beauty; 
So the poets all are singing; 
Rich musicians music flirging; 
Sculptors carving statues courtal; 
Painters making scenes immortal; 
Geniuses in march victorious 
On the crest of being glorious 
Make that pathway like the glory 
That was never sung in story. 

She is shining with adorning 
Like an angel in the morning; 
Spirit orbing out in beauty 
Like a radiant love or duty; 
Fountains bursting, foaming, Hinging 
Sunlike smiles and vernal singing. 
Happy, happy, happy maiden! 
Now thy heart has found its aiden; 
Thou art on the peak of being 
Life and love are full unfreeing. 

He is standing up^ like gra>iite ; 
Poised and balanced as a planet; 
Going forth as like a master 
That brings victory from disaster. 
Thinking like the elemental, 
Straight through every incidental; 
Acting like a sword descending 
And all knotted tangles rending; 
Coming as a conscious honor 
That wears truth and power upon her. 

Go your way! Still onward travel! 
Ye can make the roadside gravel, 
City, forest, mountain winding. 
Strife paved paths and circles grinding. 
All divine and rich and splendid 
As the dreams have ever wended. 
Thou and she in love immortal 
Make a pathway prime and courtal. 
Round and on all free creating 
Forms with love and pleasure mating. 



132 



THE PROPOSAL. 



Miss Bright, 

"fis time that I should speak my heart, 

Time, time the truth were said! 
The message from me must depart, 

Desire is crimson red. 
Where e'er I am your image fair 

Doth on my vision rise. 
Forever coming up the way 

An angel on my eyes. 

When I lie down to sleep at night 

I cannot sleep for pain; 
Your presence with a sweet delight 

Walks up and down my brain. 
If I should miss the jo\ and sleep 

A dream doth on me dart, 
A shining dream in rainbow gleam 

Rides up and down my heart. 

When 1 rise up to front the sun, 

The sun I cannot see; 
The golden splendors that are spun 

But introduces thee. 
When I come home again at night 

It is not night to me; 
Thy presence is a world of light 

Where morning glories be. 

Away down in the crowded mcrts 

Where interest blinds the eyes, 
T-^ere, there your angel image darts 

And all my spirits rise. 
The crowdest corner of the town 

I stopped at running pace; 
How could I so deceive my Sight! 

I thought it was your face. 

A telescope upon the street, 

I paid to take a view; 
The man that owns the moon, Oh sweet! 

I saw not him but you. 
I looked upon the brightest star 

That heaven lends to sight. 
And even at that distance far 

I saw your soul of light. 

133 



I drew my watch to see the time, 

Forgot the what and wny; 
For there were you, Oh soul of thyme! 

Right there before my eye. 
Yes! Even in the looking glass 

I cannot see myself; 
I see a queen but seldom .-een, 

A soul of priceless wealth. 

There's not a woman in the crowd 

Eut brings you up to view, 
And brings you up so I am proud 

And strong and glad and true. 
I see you in the rainbow flowers, 

In birds that fly and sing, 
In poet's books and natures Dowers 

And almost everything. 

'Tis strange! Oh strange! Oh passing .strange! 

I see you everywhere. 
All that I see to you they change 

My magic, rich and rare. 
My eyes by magic sure are bound; 

I cannot think or see; 
There's naught for sight in all around 

Eut thee and only thee. 

Is not the writing shining clear? 

Do not the fates say: "Wed!" 
Canst thou not see, canst ihou not hear 

What heart to heart has said? 
Oh haste, oh haste the happy day! 

Haste, haste the hour divine! 
'Twere heav'n to see or hear you say: 

"Come! See me! I am thine." 

1 our own. 



"RUB ME AND I'LL SMELL." 

A little girl with eyes of blue 

And curly locks of gold. 
With cheeks and lips of ruddy hue 

And heart that riches hold. 
Dwells in my home, 
And of her tricks that fairies mix 

I dream where e'er I roam. 

184 



She has a green and scentless flower 

Called "Rub me and I'll smell;" 
V/bich none wciild ever dream had power 

A spirit truth to tell. 
From its rough bed 
She plucks and smiles with happy wiles 

And holds up to my head. 

"Smell! Smell!" she cries. When heavy breath 

I draw to it unclose, 
She rubs and crushes it to death 

All in and round my nose; 
But then the dower 
So hidden long with perfume strong 

Doth vitalize the hour. 

Then quick a dream springs on my heart; 

"The child is like the flower, 
Ui'.conscious holding to impart 

A purer spirit dower; 
And thou shall find 
High treasures fine as rich as wine 

Her spirit will unbind." 

I fold her deep into my heart. 

My strong arms fold her tight; 
My manhood strength to her could part 

The fullness of its might; 
But not a hair 
Of that pure sprite, my chief delight. 

Could find a danger there. 

1 rub the pansy velvet cheek, 

Ears, brow and dimpled chin 
Against my face, and thus would seek 

The virtues soul would win. 
I instant feel 
A s-omething breaks, a sometiiing wakes 

As both our souls unseal. 

I rub the flaxen flossy broAv 

And her full face would win 
Against the grov/th a day has fed 

To bearded cheek and chin. 
She struggles hard; 
With cry and j^ant she does enchant 

The spirit of the bard, 

135 



Then lip to lip, Oh lip to lip! 

Forever live the kiss! 
LoAes yovmg and old will on the trip 

/: nd greener brow with bliss. 
I feel a flow 
Of life divine for which I pine 

And seek for most below. 

I feei a summer fountain stream, 
Pure, sun-kissed, sweet and soft. 

Break in my bosom like a dream 
And springeth up aloft; 
As if a fount 

Doth sudden burst to feed my thirst 
And to the skies doth mount. 

Such fervent kiss of purest love! 

Such dewT crystal joy! 
Su.Vn innocence white as a dove! 

Such faith without alloy! 
All start a flow 
Of love and life upon the strife 

Of sin and guilt and woe. 

Again still deeper in my heart 

I fold her in and kiss 
But lesser bless than I am blest 

And rising in my bliss. 
Oh who could dream 
That from a child to age defiled 

Such blessing could unstream? 

Oh what a flow of saving life 

Is gathered up in thee, 
For husband,, home and happy wife. 

Faith, love and purity! 
O'er mortal days, 
Up to the height of vision bright 

Thou dost our spirits raise. 

The hearts that are the best on earth, 

The deepest, most divine. 
Rejoicing with the purest mirth 

And drinking living wine. 
Through infant hearts 
Into their breast is fed the best 

The Oversoul imparts. 

136 



May this rich, sweet and virtuous life 

That all the younger hold. 
Pour out the wealth of spirit health 

In ours so growing cold! 
May all all give 
And young and old their hearts unfold 

And thus forever live! 



"CUDDLE DOON." 

Beyond the salt and savory sea 

The heatherland we find, 
Where men are straight and strong and free 

And women true and kind. 
The mothers sing a cradle song 

And nature gives the tune; 
Hark! Across the sea it rides along: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon!" 

Long, long ago in that far land 

A mother hushed her child, 
And with a soft caressing hand 

Soothed life's first tumult wild. 
With love's divine first overflow 

That doth with hope commune 
She sang with tones men never luiew: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon!" 

In after days in this new world 

Amid the strife of years, 
By change and grief most strangely w^hirled 

And often blind with tears, 
More soft and richer grew the strain 

As strange lands weary soon. 
And Scotland dreamed in each refrain: 

'Oh bairnie, cuddle noon! 

And I, the oldest of that flock. 

The others loved to nurse; 
And oft the cradle glad did rock 

With snatches of old verse. 
This was the strain I loved the best 

For magic like the moon 
Sung in my song and brain and breast: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doonl" 

. 137 



As I grew up I often smiled 

To look on life's best dream. 
Mother and child so undefiled 

Where blackest shadows stream. 
What happy, happy dreams arose 

Round life like bridal June' 
And soft we sang at evening's close: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon! 

When passsd the bright poetic days 

Of boyhood, school nnd dream, 
Life bore me to the crowded ways 

Where evils teem and teem. 
'Twas there I learned to see and hear 

A greater mother croon 
O'er many tired and worn and sere: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon!" 

As round and round earth's selfish round 

I've traveled I have seen 
These mortals bled with many a wound 

Or worn by slavery lean; 
Oft like them bleeding, sold and blind 

And my ideals hewn, 
I often heard from memory kind: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon!" 

I'm often worn and tired with life. 

Rebellious, fierce and wild, 
Too tangled in chaotic strife. 

Too earthly and defiled. 
Oft as I smother down the sigh 

I would to slumber swoon; 
And oft could wish to hear her cry: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle aoon!" 

The old, old mother kind and dear 

Upon us all doth weep; 
The sweet old song falls on the ear 

And hums us fast asleep. 
I shall lie down to rest ere long; 

It is late afternoon; 
Then may I hear the mother's song: 

"Oh bairnie, cuddle doon!" 

If after I have gone to sleep 

I dream and roll and moan 
By those great fears that on us creep 

As here we walk alone, 

138 



Ot may the Nurse so true and Idnd 
Sing soft the old old tune! 

And on my troubled soul unwind: 
"Oh balrnie, cuddle doon!" 



OH LOVE OF GOD COME IN! 

Oil love of God! Oh love of Godi 

The only love that lives 
In this cold earth and flows abroad 

Nought getting, ever gives; 
Behold the world, its strife and greed. 

Its babble tongues and din! 
Thou art its first, last, only need; 

OJi love of God come in! 

All round are hearts of ice and stone. 

Hard, cold and dead and lost; 
Bv life and death forever throwTi, 

And farther from Thee tossed; 
Sbali these about Thee never dream 

But still grow worse in sin?- 
That thou through us on them may stream 

01 love of God come in! 

If filled with Thee, for them we live 

Ah thou dost live for thine; 
Then we our gilts and self can give. 

Our lives for theirs resign. 
No service work love e'er withholds 

What e'er men are or been; 
The worse they are the more unfolds. 

Oh love of God come in! 

Thou hast for them high heaven's sight; 

Her time and strength are thine: 
Thou hast the power, thou hast the right 

To make the worst divine. 
Thou hast the faith that dares to claim; 

The prayers that always win; 
The vital message full of flame, 

Oh love of God come in! 

Oh love of God! Oh love of God! 

Spring in our hearts and flow! 
Thiough all the earth he spread abroaa 

And all toward heaven grow! 

139 



May thousands by each life be won. 

Joined more to thee than kin; 
To sing the song thou nasi begun, 

Oh love of God come in! 



AN OLD FASHIONED HOME FLOWEK, 

See yon hollyhocks so shining! 
. ,^ . All are signing 
My past youth. I now remember 

And an ember 
Of my fifty years departed 

Is rehearted. 
Now by mem'ry soul is glowing 

And is going 

From the snowing 
Of my winter bare and olden 
To my springtime glad and golden. 

There the hollyhocks are standing. 

Sight commanding, 
Higher than the fences towering 

And all flowering 
With rich bell-like forms and flinging 

Light and singing 
To my dreams, and soul inviting 

With delighting 

So exciting 
That the garden I did enter 
To its living soul and center. 

'Twas the old old world in fashion 

But with passion 
Sweeter, purer, whiter, flner 

And diviner 
Than the modern soul of science 

With defiance 
Of old nature's simple glory 

And the story 

That is hoary 
But as new as in the morning 
In her beauty of adorning. 

Round it hollyhocks were standing. 
Guards commanding; 

140 



Soldierlike in, armor shining, 

All aligning; 
Tall high spearmen round the border 

Keeping order; 
Close together shelter forming 

From the storming, 

Giving warning 
\V(»icomes to the kindly stranger, 
Others halting like a danger. 



On those tap'ring stalks parental 

Opened gentle 
Singles of a snowy whiteness. 

Waxy dightness; 
Doubles of a fringing splendor 

Full and tender; 
Others pink and dark and golden 

Did unfolden 

As of olden 
Rcauty full her soul unbarest, 
^Vhen the simplest then the fairest. 



Often then those four-leaved flowers 

In those bowers, 
On the bee in search of honey. 

From the sunny 
Splendors shining I enfolded. 

Tight did hold it 
While her buzzing set me thrilling, 

Feeling filling. 

Kindness killing 
As I dreamed of her sharp stinging 
Just the moment 1 ceased clinging. 



Often when sweet auntie planted, 

Full enchanted 
I roamed round the flowers enhancing, 

Fairly dancing,, 
Singing, smiling, drinking blessing 

Past expressing; 
Dreaming, Oh such dreams of gladness 

That the sadness, 

Strife and madness 
That has since then drove insanest 
Soul had not a touch the vainest! 

141 



Gicc a tap'ring stem full flowered. 

One that towered 
Aurtie gave me, and then partial 

To the martial, 
Like a soldier in his glory. 

With his story, 
Like a rainbow colored banner 

In the manner 

Heroes fan her, 
I around and round paraded 
And the outer world invaded. 

When those hollyhocks were blooming 

Unassuming 
I could see all fairy creatures 

And their features; 
Saw the gauzy spirits smiling 

And beguiling; 
Saw them step as from a palace; 

Or with chalice 

Void of malice 
Drink the dewy liquid morning 
That renewed them with adornmg. 

When those hollyhocks went swinging 

They sent singing 
Such a music, such a measure, 

Soft with pleasuree 
That the light harmonic catches 

Were but snatches 
Of an airy softer noting 

Fairies floating 

Sing when doting 
On each other, and I listened 
Till mine eye like dew drops glistened. 

Those old hollyhocks domestic 

Are majestic 
YvMth old nature's simple glory, 

And a story 
Of just common loves and lovers 

Ever hovers 
Over them and makes them splendid, 

Train attended, 

Warm defended 
By the love fhat seasoned passions 
Have for nature's homely fashions. 

142 



^.Vlier these hollyhocks are shining. 

All this signing 
Is it strange they cut asunder 

Soul from plunder, 
And lead back into the golden 

Time of olden, 
V,'hen a, boy and free from sorrow 

I could borrow 

Hopes tomorrow 
And could live in dreams of magic 
^Ahich are lost in life so tragic? 



MOTHER'S DAY. 

The "Mother's Day!" The "Mother's Day!" 

Fix, fix it in the nation! 
Out carve the place, the bases lay 

And raise it up in station. 
The mothers are the living souls 

Of every great creation. 
Man, life and love and ail that poies 
The "Mother's Day" will hail with high elation. 

GJad Nature bids the royal day 
Forth from her gates of splendor; 

The azure arches span ^he way; 
Bright sunny hours attend her; 

All heav'n and earth, morn, noon and night 
Behold and glad commend her: 

Great Life in her ideal right 
To "Mother's Day" is champion and defender. 

The platform, press and stage and lyre 

Now trumpet forth a measure 
That bideth man from mad desire 

To take a moment's leisure. 
"Oh heart, out of the heart of fire 

Bring forth a royal treasure! 
Think on the day and like a choir 
The "Mothers' rcund and sing with royal p-casure! 

"Oh stop the mad pursuit of gold ! 

Fan up home altar embers! 
Tear off life's tissues fold by fold 

Till memory full remembers! 

143 



In place and power and wealth and mirth, 

In storms and black Novembers, 
In all the changes of the earth 
The 'Mothers' true can never know Decembers." 

"Was not the Mother unto thee 

The first and noblest giver? 
Has not her love been flowing free 

With fulness like a river?, 
The sword that cuts the wounds we see 

In her own bosom quiver. 
Did thou need one to die for thee 
The 'Mother heart' most in.^tant would deliver," 

"The richest fountains of all life 

Are in the 'Mother' flowing; 
Through all the years of change and strife, 

As at thy birth .still glowing. 
Look up! Look up! Canst thou not see 

The glory Life is showing? 
Is not the 'Mother' unto thee 
All nobler loves revealing and uestowing?" 

"Right in thy eyes love's true ideal 

Is like an angel shining;' 
Within and round this earthly real. 

Life's saving lights are twining. 
Loth that above and that below 

Feeds soul a sacred pining; 
Eoth life and love now purer grow 
For 'Mothers' nurse the virtues life divining." 

"Ye mem'rie£. rich of mind and h-^art, 

• To virtues ye are rising; 

Deep piercing greed and mme and mart, 

All life ye are revising. 
Success and wealth and place and power, 

Ye see through their disguising, 
And leaping like a passioned hour. 
The 'Mother's' soul, ye are supremely prizing." 

So up and down and round today, 

Soul calls to one another, 
Swift answ'ring to the magic gay. 

The sister and the brother. 
And all the state of mine and mart 

Right in the strifes that smother 
Have called a silence in the heart 
And in it throng the memories of the 'Mother.' ' 

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By memory lead the thoughtful haste 

To Beauty's perfumed bowers. 
We need a heav'n in earthly waste 

To clothe love's royal hours. 
"Oh bind me now with royal art 

Rare heaven smiling flowers 
To speak right home from my full heart 
To 'Mother's' heart with rich poetic powers!" 

"Oh bind a bunch fit for a queen 

Of golden classic story! 
Far better than the brides have seen 

In old romances hoary. 
The flowers that grow in gratitude 

Have life and love and glory. 
More beauty and beatitude 
In 'Mother's' eyes than all «,he flowers so lory." 

"A smaller make and all unite 

To give her breast adorning! 
A brightness, freshness and delight. 

That joy could give the morning; 
I'll pin them on her bosom bright. 

Pomp, power, possession scorning, 
And kiss her in my passion white 
For 'Mother' grows more dear with every warning!' 

"Now pin upon my grateful breast 

A pure and white carnation; 
I £eel erect and at my best, 

As marching up a station. 
An antidote and virtue blest 

She feeds a pure elation; 
The God that crowns high heav'n's crest 
Through 'Mother' shows his glory to creation." 

"Or this the reddest of the red. 

Could match my memory's glowing; 

But never mind; my soul has bled 
And from my heart is growing 

A soul that sorrow rich has fled 
And o'er the years is throwing 

A beauty life has ever wed 
And 'Mother's' heart is in its spirit flowing." 

Far glancing up and down ihe street 

Life sees these mortals wearing 
A sense as if some noble soul 

With noble thought was faring; 

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As if the selfish had been lost 

As peace her calm was sharing, 
As if true love each 'Mother' love 
Unto their eyes was opening up and bareing." 

There is a soldier from the war. 
His wounds all sharp and biting; 

The Campus and its life is soro 
With deadly deadly smiting. 

See how he pauses in Lhe strife! 
His eye afar is sighting 

The dear old home, the simple life, 
And "Mother" there the soldier sweet inviting. 

\onder a vital virtuous shame 

Now writes a promised letter; 
The silence falls from ail his frame 

As like a felon's fetter. 
A tear doth drop, his spirits flame, 

His heart wells like a debtor. 
And sealing with some gold his name 
His "Mother's" son he stands erect and better. 

See! There is one who plans tonight 

Reunion glad and golden! 
Brothers and sisters coming home 

From city, sea and wolden. 
'Twill be a royal royal time 

When royal hearts unfolden, 
Warm crimson love of prince and prime 
The "Mother" love will circle as of olden. 

There one doth murmur to his heart: 
"Oh blignted world of plunder. 

Whose .selfishness is all thy art 
And love is trampled under. 

Oft as I travel mine and mart 
I wonder, often wonder 

Do any but the 'Mothers' bart 
The kind of love the years can never sunder?" 

Pierce yonder in those shadows deep, 
A strong man there is weeping; 

Tears of a sacred sacred grief 
Are from their fountains' leaping. 

Gladness and sorrow both divine 
His being rich is steeping, 

The kindness of life's only love, 
His "Mother's love" across his heart is sweeping. 

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There is a royal rose of life, 

A daughter like few others, 
She flowers amid the mart and strife 

And does the work of brothers. 
She holds secm-e the little home, 

Smiles on the greed that smothers. 
And feels today as rich as Nome 
For surely hers is queen of all the "Mf^hersl" 

Yonder is one, upon his breast 

No symbol sign is gleaming; 
Can he be dead to virtue blest? 

The form is only seeming. 
A world of home-like images 

His heart and mind are streaming; 
The path of life is blank and blind, 
His "Mother's" face, upon his eyes so beaming. 

Still more of life, still more of ove, 

Before the eyes are winging. 
Today the sons and daughters glad 

A noble song are singing. 
Bright images of family life 

Before the eyes are winging 
And soul in song or silence bound 
To "Mother's" heart are royil tributes bringing. 

Oh "Mother's Day!" Oh "Mother's Day!" 
Grow with the seasons turning! 

Thou noblest form on life's highway. 
Oh make us more discerning" 

Stir up all passion, thought and lay, 
Feed life's unselfish yearning! 

The sons and daughters greet tnee gay. 
To "Mother" still with love divinest burning! 

Oh "Mother's Day!" Oh "Mother's Day!" 
Still lift us from our blighting' 

Thy noble soul all virtue sway, 
Redeem and set us righting! 

Still often come on Life's highway 
And still our courses lighting. 

Oh guide us past the shadows gray, 
With "Mother" there the children all uniting! 



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